Aryna Sabalenka defeated Nikola Bartunkova in a three-set match to advance at the Berlin Open this week [1].

The victory is significant as Sabalenka had to overcome an unexpected challenge from Bartunkova to avoid an early exit from the tournament [1].

Sabalenka secured the win with a final score of 6-4, 4-6, 6-3 [1]. The match began with Sabalenka taking the first set, but Bartunkova rallied to take the second set, forcing a deciding third frame [1].

The contest took place in Berlin, Germany, as part of the June 2026 tournament schedule [1]. Sabalenka fought back during the second set to level the match, eventually regaining control in the final set to secure the win [1, 2].

Bartunkova presented a tense challenge for the favorite, pushing the match into a decider before Sabalenka closed out the competition [1]. The result allows Sabalenka to continue her campaign in the Berlin Open.

“Aryna Sabalenka defeated Nikola Bartunkova in a three-set match”

This result demonstrates Sabalenka's resilience under pressure against lower-seeded or unexpected opponents. By forcing a third set and winning, she maintains her momentum in the tournament and avoids a potentially damaging upset in the early stages of the Berlin Open.