Aryna Sabalenka defeated Peyton Stearns, 7-5, 6-3, in the second round of the Madrid Open.
It was the Belarusian’s first clay-court match of the year, as Sabalenka withdrew from the Stuttgart Open earlier this month.
She wasn’t at her best, but still managed to book her place in the Madrid Open third round, where she will meet Romania’s Jacqueline Cristian.
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Speaking to Laura Robson after the match, Sabalenka delivered her verdict on her performance.
Aryna Sabalenka was happy with how she played her best tennis when it mattered most
“That was a super tough match, especially like the first match on clay, and it’s against [Peyton] Stearns, she’s an incredible player,” said Sabalenka.
“I feel like this court suits her game really well. I knew that she was going to go really up high, and I’m glad that the more I was staying on the court, the better I was feeling, and I’m really hoping that in the next one, I’ll bring better tennis.
“I knew that it was not going to be easy. The first match on clay, I was trying to find the perfect rhythm. I’m just glad that when it mattered, I was bringing my best tennis.”
Sabalenka was then asked why Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was sitting in her coaching box.
“I think last year, I was supposed to go to their match, and he messaged if I was coming or not,” she said.
“But then, I think he worked with my boyfriend, and that’s how I got to know him. I just met him for the first time before the match, such a nice guy.
“Great to get some support in Madrid!”
Once Sabalenka returned the microphone, Robson shared her thoughts on the match.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Peyton Stearns – Match stats
| Stats | Aryna Sabalenka | Peyton Stearns |
| Aces | 2 | 5 |
| Double faults | 5 | 4 |
| 1st Serve % | 64% | 64% |
| Win % on 1st Serve | 64% | 63% |
| Win % on 2nd Serve | 70% | 50% |
| Break points | 4/12 | 2/8 |
“Look, we’re expecting perfection most of the time now from Sabalenka, considering how many match wins she has,” said Robson.
“But then you have to think about the fact that she has had a bit of a break, throughout this season, she is really picking and choosing which tournaments she wants to play.
“After Miami, wanted a few weeks off, coming out here, playing at altitude, against someone like Stearns, who does throw a lot at you, has the kick serve, which really bounces up on this court. I felt like Sabalenka actually handled that really well.
“Yes, it wasn’t her best performance, but the good thing is that she still won it in straight sets.
“Gives herself the best chance in the next one, and you feel like the more she builds into these events, you feel like she is the favourite for a reason. All things considered, to me, she looked pretty relaxed out there.”
Colin Fleming claims tough Peyton Stearns test was good for Aryna Sabalenka
Also speaking on Sky Sports, former doubles star, Colin Fleming, was keen to share his thoughts.
“For Sabalenka, definitely some rust, being back on the clay,” he said.
“Also, I think it is difficult for her against [Peyton] Stearns, who plays with a lot of variety, different speeds, heights, and spins.
“But it may actually be the perfect workout and really play her into form.
“You can see from the team, that match had their attention; it was an awkward first match on clay. Coming through in straight sets, it wasn’t perfect, but ultimately, it’s a job well done.
“As I say, I think she will be a lot better for that match today, finding her rhythm, movement, timing.
“But credit to Stearns, I enjoyed her fight and her performance today as well.”
Fleming was impressed with the American, who made Sabalenka work for her place in the third round.
“Stearns reminding us that she is a quality clay-court player and a real fighter,” he said.
“She will be disappointed to lose, of course, But she should be optimistic for her clay-court season.
“With the right draws, she can put some runs together.”
Stearns will now move down to the Challenger level for the WTA 125 event in Catalonia.
Sabalenka, on the other hand, will return for her third-round match on Saturday, April 25.
