Aryna Sabalenka is set to give up a significant chunk of WTA ranking points after withdrawing from the Stuttgart Open.
The Belarusian has postponed the start to her clay-court swing due to an injury and will subsequently lose 325 ranking points.
Sabalenka is now slated to make her return to competitive play at the Madrid Open, which will begin on April 21.
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Sabalenka’s decision to withdraw from the German event is certainly bold, especially as she was due to compete for the title alongside Elena Rybakina, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff.
However, it is most certainly the right decision.
Aryna Sabalenka’s decision to withdraw from WTA events paid off earlier this year
Sabalenka has clearly made the right decision in two respects.
First, the Belarusian has prioritised her physical health over competition – a wise decision no matter the scenario.
Second, Sabalenka has afforded herself time to mentally and physically reset ahead of a busy period; as she did earlier this year.
In January, Sabalenka lost a dramatic Australian Open final to Elena Rybakina and subsequently decided to take a break from competitive play.
The 27-year-old withdrew from WTA 1000 events in Doha and Dubai, instead choosing to return in March for Indian Wells.
This decision proved to be inspired, as Sabalenka went on to win Indian Wells and the Miami Open, becoming only the fifth woman to complete the heralded ‘Sunshine Double’.
If Sabalenka’s current absence has a similar effect on future proceedings, fans could witness a dominant version of the Belarusian across the clay-court swing.
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Aryna Sabalenka’s dominance at the Madrid Open
Sabalenka began her 2025 Madrid Open campaign by defeating Anna Blinkova, Elise Mertens, Peyton Stearns and Marta Kostyuk.
In the last four, Sabalenka produced a spirited display to defeat Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-5.
In the final, Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6; securing the third Madrid Open title of her career.
During her post-match press conference, Sabalenka was asked for the ‘secret’ to her success in Madrid.
Honestly, I don’t know,” said the Belarusian. “I’m just super excited every time to come to Madrid to play on this beautiful court.
“I don’t know, I just love this court, I love the support here, I think that’s the secret [laughing].
Sabalenka won her first Madrid title in 2021, beating two-time major champion Ashleigh Barty in the final.
Two years later, Sabalenka won her second title in the Spanish capital after beating Iga Swiatek in the championship showpiece.
