TINEA Babos came from a set down to end Sachia Vickery’s sensational run at the Monterrey Open tennis, when the two faced off in the semi-finals yesterday.

It was the first meeting between the two and all eyes were on Vickery, who is enjoying an impressive 2018 season.

Vickery booked her place in the tournament’s semi-final after disposing of Magdaléna Rybáriková in the quarter-final, beating the 2017 Wimbledon semi-finalist and world No. 17-ranked in straight sets (6-0, 6-3).

Babos earned her game against an in-form Vickery when she sent the 2014 Olympic champion Monica Puig packing in similar fashion (6-4, 6-2).

Vickery, moving up to 91 in the latest WTA Rankings, seemed to pick up where she left off against Rybáriková, and won the first set against Babos 6-1.

However, the Hungarian, ranked No.44 in the world, clawed back to out-play Vickery and take the second and third sets 2-6, 2-6. It was the first time in the tournament that Vickery dropped a set.

Babos’ win will see her come up against defending Wimbledon champion and World No.3-ranked Garbiñe Muguruza, who was knocked out by Vickery at the Indian Wells.

Meanwhile, Vickery, who in 2018 has won seven of her ten games played, will now shift her attention to the May 27-June 10 French Open, where she’s hoping to better her 2016 first-round exit. (Rawle Toney)