World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka cruised to the semi-finals of the Italian Open with a victory over ninth seed Jelena Ostapenko here on Wednesday.

The two-time grand slam champion Belarusian needed just one hour and 13 minutes to dispatch Latvian Ostapenko 6-2, 6-4.

“With this amazing atmosphere and with this amazing support — that’s why I’m super motivated here and that’s why I always say that this is the dream tournament for me to win,” said Sabalenka. “I really enjoy playing here so I don’t have to think about being focused. I’m just here enjoying it and doing everything I can to win every point I play no matter what the score. I guess that’s the key.”

Sabalenka, who didn’t allow Ostapenko a break opportunity, showed no sign of the back problem that required treatment during Monday’s three-setter against Elina Svitolina. The match ended well after midnight local time.

Sabalenka, 26, said she didn’t even practice Tuesday and focused instead on treatment and recovery. It clearly paid off.

Earlier, American third seed Coco Gauff set up a semi-final clash with the world No.1 Iga Swiatek.

That meant this was the first time the top three women in the world have reached the semi-finals of a WTA event of 250 level or higher since the 2013 French Open. The Italian Open in a WTA 1000 tournament.

Gauff beat China’s Zheng Qinwen 7-6 (7-4), 6-1 in the other quarter final on Tuesday. “(Swiatek) is a tough opponent to play, especially on clay. There’s a reason why she’s No.1,” Gauff said. “But I feel like I’m getting better with each match. I’m really excited to play the semi-final.”

After needing three sets to win each of her last two matches in Rome, winning a marathon opening set that lasted 71 minutes was key to Gauff’s victory on Tuesday. The second set was easier for her. Written with Reuters inputs