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Sorana Cirstea achieved “the biggest comeback” of her career as she reached the Dubai Tennis Championships semi-finals, along with Iga Swiatek.
Cirstea was a set and 5-1 down against reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova but recovered to earn a 2-6 7-6 (7-1) 6-2 victory.
The 33-year-old Romanian saved six match points.
“To be honest, at a set and 5-1, I wasn’t thinking about winning any more,” said Cirstea.
“I was like, at least make it nice for the public, at least make it longer and give them a bit nicer tennis.
“Somehow I managed to get this win and I still don’t know how I managed it.
“This has to be the biggest comeback of my career.”
She will play Jasmine Paolini in the semi-finals. The Italian was awarded a walkover win over Elena Rybakina, who withdrew from the tournament because of gastrointestinal illness.
World number one Swiatek beat Australian Open runner-up Zheng Qinwen 6-3 6-2 to reach the last four.
She will play either US Open champion Coco Gauff or Anna Kalinskaya in the next round.
