The Australian Open champion lost the first set but managed to turn it around to make it to the semis.
“I was just trying to keep fighting to keep playing my game and find my rhythm,” said Sabalenka.
“She’s a clay court specialist and I’m very happy with this win. It was a very tough one.”
Despite her loss, Sherif managed to set a record. She is the first Egyptian to reach the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event. She is also the first player in the tournament to take a set-off Sabalenka.
The 2021 Madrid Open champion, however, managed to bounce back strongly and converted all four of her break points in the second set, hitting 10 winners.
She will next face Maria Sakkari who defeated Irina-Camelia Begu in the quarterfinals.
When asked about her upcoming match with Sabalenka, she said:
“We all know she’s in top form right now.”
“She’s the one that is playing the best tennis right now, better than anyone else. Obviously, it’s not hard court, her favorite surface, but she won this tournament and she’s playing very good.”
“I believe I can play good on clay court, I believe I can play good here. Let’s see how it goes. I’m very curious to see how different it will play compared to other times we’ve played each other.”