Players

Sara Bejlek: “I Just Keep Believing” — 20-Year-Old Czech Sensation Reaches Cincinnati Open Semifinals

ByTennis Tour Calendar Posted onAugust 22, 2026 2:38 PMAugust 22, 2026 2:38 PM

The rich legacy of Czech tennis has welcomed its newest star.

Following in the footsteps of legends like Navratilova, Kvitova, and Krejcikova, 20-year-old Sara Bejlek has captured the spotlight at the 2026 Cincinnati Open, stunning three former Grand Slam champions en route to her first-ever WTA 1000 semifinal.

The diminutive 5-foot-3 left-hander—who won her maiden WTA 500 title in Abu Dhabi earlier this season—has compiled a giant-killing week in Ohio, securing signature wins over countrywoman Barbora Krejcikova, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, and 2019 Cincinnati champion Madison Keys.

Overcoming Sabalenka and Keys in Dramatic Fashion

In the round of 16, Bejlek stunned top seed Aryna Sabalenka 7-6(7), 6-4 on P&G Stadium Court, mounting heroic comebacks from 1-5 down in the opening-set tiebreak and 1-4 in the second set.

“I lost my words,” Bejlek admitted after defeating the World No. 1.

She followed that up with another mental triumph in the quarterfinals against 20th seed Madison Keys. Bejlek clawed back after dropping the opening set to eliminate the home favorite in a thrilling two-hour-and-20-minute battle, 3-6, 6-4, 7-6(5).

“I just keep believing,” Bejlek said following her quarterfinal victory over Keys. “I just try to focus on myself, no matter what’s going on on the other side of the court.”

Growth and Self-Belief Drive the Breakthrough

Mentored by Jakub Kahoun, the athletic southpaw relies on a high tennis IQ, acute court angles, and exceptional defensive movement to outmaneuver more powerful opponents. Off the court, when asked to describe her personality in three words, Bejlek offered: “Crazy,” “Emotional,” and “Careful.”

However, it is her surging self-belief that has propelled her run into the final four, where she is set to face fourth seed Coco Gauff.

“I think it’s been increasing during the season,” Bejlek reflected. “We had a big talk with my team a couple of weeks ago, and since that moment, I feel that it’s going quite well, and I’m getting better at believing in myself and improving on the court.”