Unknown 20-year-old tennis player stuns Aryna Sabalenka in the upset of her life: 'I'm speechless'

It was Bejlek's first victory over a top-10 and top-5 player, and it came against the WTA's world number one. Ranked 35th globally, she was ecstatic to reach the quarterfinals. After nearly two hours of tennis, she dispatched Sabalenka in straight sets, 7-6, 6-4, and will now face American Madison Keys in the final eight.

In her on-court interview in Cincinnati, she spoke to the reporter in disbelief. "I'm speechless. It feels incredible, and I'm so, so happy," she stammered with a laugh. "I just played what I felt; I wasn't really thinking. I think that was important. I tried not to be nervous and just play. That was it."

Earlier this week in Cincinnati, she spoke about self-confidence and belief. That's what carried her past Sabalenka, said the twenty-year-old Bejlek. "This gives me a lot of confidence; I maintained belief in myself throughout this match. It had its ups and downs, but I made it."

Finally, with a grin from ear to ear, she thanked the American crowd, who gradually sided with the underdog during the match. "They were amazing and helped me so much. I hope to see them again for the next match."

By reaching the quarterfinals in Cincinnati, Bejlek has significantly boosted her earnings. She can now expect over 133,000 euros in prize money from the organizers. If she also defeats Keys and reaches the semifinals, that figure will climb to a staggering 257,000 euros. She is also virtually set to achieve her highest-ever world ranking, currently sitting at a virtual 31st.