Top 5 Photos 4/23: Semifinals set in Barcelona, Stuttgart

As we entered the business end of this week’s events on Friday, there was no shortage of great action in Barcelona and Stuttgart.

These are the Top 5 photos that sum up all the action on the dirt. (All photos Getty Images)

1

Simona Halep

Having cruised in the first set, the No. 2 seed had to fend off a stubborn Ekaterina Alexandrova, 6-1, 6-4, to get over the line in Stuttgart. She next faces Aryna Sabalenka, who rallied past Anett Kontaveit, 7-5, 4-6, 6-1.

2

Rafael Nadal

After two tough matches on home soil, the Spaniard had a great day at the office against Great Britain’s Cameron Norrie. With his 6-1, 6-4 victory, Nadal will meet compatriot Pablo Carreno Busta for a spot in the Barcelona final.

3

Ashleigh Barty

Things weren’t looking good for the world No. 1 in Stuttgart as she lost the first set, 6-2, to Karolina Pliskova. An hour and a half later, Barty emerged victorious, 2-6, 6-1, 7-5, clawing her way from 5-3 down in the final set.

4

Stefanos Tsitsipas

Aiming for back-to-back titles following his maiden Masters 1000 crown in Monte Carlo last week, the Greek had no trouble against 20-year-old Felix Auger-Aliassime, posting a 6-3, 6-3 score. Tsitsipas’ next opponent is another dangerous young gun, 19-year-old Jannik Sinner—who took out Monte Carlo finalist Andrey Rublev in straight sets.

5

Elina Svitolina

Like her next opponent Barty, the Ukrainian battled from a set down to dethrone the defending champion Petra Kvitova, 6-7 (4), 7-5, 6-2. Svitolina is hoping to extend her winning streak against the Aussie to three, though Barty leads their head-to-head series, 5-2.