Aryna Sabalenka battled through a tough three-set contest against Naomi Osaka to advance at the Madrid Open on Monday.
Sabalenka found herself behind early after losing the first set 6-7. However, she roared back to claim victory in Madrid, winning the last two sets 6-3, 6-2.
It was a stunning comeback by Sabalenka, who will face 30th seed Hailey Baptiste in the quarter-finals.
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As for Osaka, the Japanese star can walk away from the match proud of her performance – she performed superbly throughout, serving nine aces and winning 67 per cent of her first-serve points.
Sabalenka discussed her opponent’s performance in the immediate aftermath of their contest, suggesting where the four-time Grand Slam champion could be ranked very soon.
Aryna Sabalenka says Naomi Osaka will re-enter the WTA top-10
That was an incredible level, she played really incredible tennis,” Sabalenka said of Osaka [pictured below] while in conversation with the WTA.
“I feel like I had some luck with a couple of shots in the third set, that’s why it went that fast. But overall it was a really incredible fight.
“I’m happy she brought the fight and I had to fight through and level up my game.”
Sabalenka went on to describe Osaka as an ‘inspiration,’ before making a prediction regarding the Japanese star’s future ranking.
Aryna Sabalenka’s Madrid Open campaign so far
- Round one: BYE
- Round two: defeated Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-3
- Round three: defeated Jacqueline Cristian 6-1, 6-4
- Round four: defeated Naomi Osaka 6-7, 6-3, 6-2
- Quarter-finals: Hailey Baptiste
Osaka is one of only a few mothers competing for the biggest titles on the WTA Tour, and this was acknowledged by the world number one.
“She is such an inspiration and coming back after pregnancy in a sport like tennis is not easy at all,” Sabalenka continued.
“To see her top 20 and for sure she is going top 10, it’s incredible. It’s inspiring.
“She gave all of us hope that we can go for a baby and come back and play this level of tennis. It’s incredible, it’s inspiring.”
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Aryna Sabalenka’s previous contests against Hailey Baptiste
Aryna Sabalenka has played Hailey Baptiste once before on the WTA Tour: at the 2026 Miami Open.
The Belarusian emerged victorious in Florida, defeating the American 6-4, 6-4 in the quarter-finals.
Sabalenka went on to win the event, completing the coveted ‘Sunshine Double.’
“Yeah, it means a lot,” Sabalenka told reporters in Miami after beating Coco Gauff in the final.
“My goal always been to put my name in the history, and I just did it. It just sounds so unreal.
“I don’t know how I was able to achieve that, but I’m super proud right now. Of course, of course, super happy with this beautiful trophy.”
