Sara Bejlek is through to the semi-finals of the Cincinnati Open after coming back from a set and a break down to defeat Madison Keys.

The 20-year-old continued her dream run with a 3-6 6-4 7-6 (7-5) win in two hours and 39 minutes, with a last-four clash against either Coco Gauff or Marta Kostyuk up next.

Keys put early pressure on Bejlek after converting a break point in just the second game of the match, though the home favourite was forced to save three of her own while serving for the first set.

Keys looked to be on her way to a routine victory following another early break in the second, but Bejlek got the set back on serve in the sixth game, before forcing a decider with another converted break point in the 10th.

Bejlek then stormed into a 3-0 lead in the third, conceding just five points en route, but Keys clawed her way back to take the decider to a tie-break.

Keys took a 5-4 lead in the tie-break ahead of two service points, but Bejlek ensured her Cincinnati run will not end just yet, winning three consecutive points to book her place in the semi-finals.

2 - Since 2009, Sara Bejlek is just the second player to defeat four WTA-1000 champions en route to a WTA-1000 semi-final, after compatriot Karolina Pliskova (Madrid 2018). Stunning. #CincyTennis | @CincyTennis @WTA pic.twitter.com/YRIFdyJeSP

— OptaAce (@OptaAce) August 21, 2026

Bejlek causes another upset

After defeating Aryna Sabalenka in the previous round, Bejlek was not short of confidence going into this turnaround win.

Since 2009, Bejlek is just the second player to defeat four WTA-1000 champions en route to a WTA-1000 semi-final, after compatriot Karolina Pliskova (Madrid 2018).

She is also the youngest Czech player to defeat three grand slam champions at a single WTA-level event since Martina Navratilova (Boston 1975).

And since the event’s reinauguration in 2004, Bejlek (20 years and 194 days at the tournament start) is the youngest left-hander to reach the semi-finals at the Cincinnati Open.

She did not have it all her own way against Keys, facing 10 break points, seven of which she saved, but it was another confidence-booster ahead of her maiden WTA-1000 semi-final.