Tennis

Iga Swiatek, the world's top-ranked women's tennis player, has claimed her first Mutua Madrid Open title after a thrilling three-hour battle against Aryna Sabalenka. The victory marks a significant milestone for Swiatek, as she has now won every WTA 1000 title except for Dubai, Canada, and Cincinnati.Swiatek's triumph in Madrid completes her clay-court "box set," having previously won Stuttgart (WTA 500) and Rome (WTA 1000) twice, and the Roland Garros title three times. With this victory, she ties Elena Rybakina for the most match-wins (30) and titles (3) on the WTA Tour this year.The match between Swiatek and Sabalenka was a testament to their intense rivalry, with both players showcasing their exceptional skills and determination. Swiatek ultimately prevailed in a nail-biting tiebreak in the deciding set, securing her 20th career title.The victory in Madrid further solidifies Swiatek's dominance on the WTA Tour. She has now won 28 consecutive matches, including titles in Doha, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, and Rome. Her impressive form has made her the clear favorite for the upcoming French Open, where she will be aiming to defend her title.Both Swiatek and Sabalenka are set to return to action at the Internazionali BNL d'Italia, a WTA 1000-level event in Rome, Italy, which begins on May 7th. The tournament will provide another opportunity for these two top players to showcase their skills and continue their rivalry.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka staged a remarkable comeback to defeat Elena Rybakina in a thrilling three-set battle at the Mutua Madrid Open. The Belarusian star rallied from a set and a break down to prevail 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 (5), halting Rybakina's impressive 17-match winning streak on clay.Rybakina, who had dominated Sabalenka in their Brisbane final earlier this year, appeared poised for another victory as she raced to a 6-1 first-set lead. However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through as she broke Rybakina's serve in the second set and eventually leveled the match.The third set was a serving masterclass, with both players holding serve comfortably. Rybakina had two chances to break Sabalenka's serve and seal the match, but the Belarusian saved both break points.In the tiebreaker, Sabalenka's defense proved pivotal as she converted three match points to secure the victory. The win sets up a rematch of last year's Madrid final against world No. 1 Iga Swiatek.Sabalenka's victory is a testament to her fighting spirit and ability to perform under pressure. She has now won three titles in Madrid, including the 2019 and 2021 editions. Rybakina, despite the setback, remains a formidable force on clay and will be a contender at the upcoming French Open.

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka has advanced to the semifinals of the 2024 Mutua Madrid Open, defeating rising star Mirra Andreeva in a rematch of their 2023 fourth-round clash.Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, overcame a spirited challenge from the 17-year-old Andreeva, winning 6-1, 6-4 in an hour and 19 minutes. The victory marks Sabalenka's third consecutive win in Madrid, where she is seeking her second title.The first set was a dominant display from Sabalenka, who showcased her power and precision. She hit 17 winners to Andreeva's five, breaking the teenager's serve twice to take the set with ease.The second set was more competitive, with Andreeva fighting back from a break down to level at 4-4. However, Sabalenka's experience and resilience proved too much for the young Russian. She broke Andreeva's serve again in the ninth game and served out the match to secure her place in the semifinals.Sabalenka's victory was built on her aggressive play and consistent serving. She struck 35 winners to just 13 unforced errors and did not face a single break point throughout the match.In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face No. 4 seed Elena Rybakina, who saved two match points to defeat Yulia Putintseva earlier on Wednesday. The match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two of the most in-form players on the WTA Tour.

Danielle Collins' impressive 15-match winning streak came to an abrupt end at the Mutua Madrid Open, as defending champion Aryna Sabalenka rallied from a set down to secure a hard-fought 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 victory.The match, which concluded well past midnight Tuesday, saw Collins come within a point of serving for the match in the second set. However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through as she saved two break points and held her serve.The momentum shifted dramatically in Sabalenka's favor after that crucial hold. The world No. 2 seed reeled off six consecutive games, breaking Collins' serve twice in the process. Collins managed to break back once, but it was too little too late.Sabalenka's victory sets up a quarterfinal clash with Mirra Andreeva, who upset reigning Wimbledon champion Marketa Vondrousova in the previous round. Sabalenka will be aiming to lift her third trophy at the WTA 1000 event in four years.The Belarusian star is also in contention to retain her No. 2 ranking in the WTA standings. She needs to reach the final to prevent Coco Gauff from overtaking her.Collins' defeat marks her first loss since the second round of Indian Wells, where she was defeated by Iga Swiatek. Despite the setback, Collins has enjoyed a remarkable season, winning titles in Miami and Charleston as an unseeded entrant.

Ons Jabeur's resurgence at the Mutua Madrid Open is not just about her on-court performances. The Tunisian star has forged new connections and found support from unexpected sources, adding to her positive experience in the Spanish capital.Jabeur's friendship with Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka has blossomed into a close bond. The trio, dubbed "soulmates" by Sabalenka, share a playful and supportive relationship. Jabeur jokingly described herself as the "psychologist" between the two fashion-conscious players."They're both kids, you know. I'm here as a psychologist between them," Jabeur said. "I love both, obviously. I think Aryna and Paula have the connection of the fashion: 'I wore this, I wore that, I bought this new purse,' and I go to the real thing. 'What do you need? Let's go have dinner.'"Jabeur's connection with former world No. 7 Fernando Verdasco has also been a positive development. The Spaniard has been working with Jabeur in Madrid, providing insights and support in the absence of her full-time coach."Fernando is such an amazing person. We are close. I've known him for a long time. It's always nice to chat with him and have his vision about tennis; I've always been a fan of his as a tennis player and also a person," Jabeur said.Verdasco's guidance has helped Jabeur improve her backhand and make better shot choices. "My backhand is much better. I've been trying to be a lefty for a while, so I think it's working out," Jabeur joked."It's nice to get the insights of a professional tennis player and see how he thinks. I share sometimes my frustrations on court ... 'You think I should've done that, or this?' It's really amazing to see his insights."Jabeur's positive mindset and newfound support system have contributed to her success in Madrid. She will face former Roland Garros winner Jelena Ostapenko in the quarterfinals, aiming to continue her impressive run and challenge for the title she won in 2022.

Sabalenka Faces Montgomery Challenge in Madrid, Over 18.5 Games ExpectedTwo-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka faces a potential upset in the second round against rising American star Robin Montgomery. Despite Sabalenka's pedigree, Montgomery's recent form and Sabalenka's recent struggles suggest a competitive match.Montgomery, 19, has impressed with her powerful baseline game and aggressive return. She enters the match on a winning streak, while Sabalenka has shown signs of vulnerability in her recent outings.Sabalenka's tendency to self-sabotage has been evident in her recent losses. Against Marketa Vondrousova in Stuttgart, she squandered a first-set lead with unforced errors and a shaky serve. Similar issues plagued her in her first match in Madrid against Magda Linette.Montgomery's ability to exploit Sabalenka's weaknesses is a major concern. The American's left-handed power and aggressive return game could force Sabalenka into errors. Montgomery's own serve can also be a weapon, potentially giving her an advantage in service games.While Sabalenka's power can be overwhelming, Montgomery's willingness to match her shot for shot could prolong the match. Montgomery's ability to stay in rallies and force Sabalenka to work for points could lead to a higher game count.Given Sabalenka's recent struggles and Montgomery's potential to push her, the Over 18.5 Games bet is a reasonable choice. Sabalenka's tendency to gift games to her opponents, combined with Montgomery's ability to extend rallies, suggests that the match will likely go the distance.

Two-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a shaky start to her 2024 campaign, defeating Magda Linette 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought opening match.Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, faced a determined Linette, who had previously shocked Ons Jabeur at Roland Garros. The Belarusian star struggled with her serve and rhythm in the second set, allowing Linette to level the match.However, Sabalenka's resilience shone through in the third set. Despite facing break points, she held her serve and broke Linette's in the seventh game. The defending champion then served out the match with authority, booking a third-round encounter against either Katie Boulter or Robin Montgomery.Sabalenka's victory in Madrid marks her first clay-court win of the season. The 25-year-old has endured a challenging spring, including the loss of her ex-partner and early exits from other tournaments.Despite her struggles, Sabalenka remains a formidable force on clay. Her two Madrid Open titles and her powerful game make her a contender for the title once again.

Marketa Vondrousova's stunning victory over Aryna Sabalenka at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix has propelled her into the semifinals, where she will face either Coco Gauff or Marta Kostyuk.Sabalenka, the world No. 2 and three-time runner-up in Stuttgart, started strongly, winning the first set 6-3. However, Vondrousova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, fought back to take the second set 6-3.The third set was a tense affair, with both players exchanging breaks. Sabalenka, who has struggled with her serve this season, double-faulted nine times. Despite this, she managed to serve for the match at 5-4.However, Vondrousova showed her resilience, winning the next seven points to clinch the upset. The Czech player's victory was a testament to her clay-court prowess, having finished runner-up at the 2019 French Open.Sabalenka's defeat marks the end of her quest for a fourth consecutive final in Stuttgart. The Belarusian has endured an emotional spring, mourning the loss of her ex-partner.Meanwhile, Vondrousova's victory continues her impressive run of form on clay. She is yet to drop a set in Stuttgart and will be confident of reaching the final.The other semifinal will feature Gauff, the reigning US Open champion, and Kostyuk, who saved five match points to defeat Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals.

Aryna Sabalenka's clay-court campaign got off to a bittersweet start as she overcame an injured Paula Badosa in a marathon match at the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix. The No. 2 seed prevailed 7-6 (6), 4-6, 3-3, retired, reaching the quarterfinals despite an emotional conclusion.Sabalenka struggled early on, but gradually found her rhythm against a determined Badosa. The first set was a tense affair, with both players trading breaks. Sabalenka eventually prevailed in a tiebreaker, winning six of the final seven points.Badosa responded strongly in the second set, breaking Sabalenka twice to take a commanding lead. However, Sabalenka refused to go down without a fight, breaking back and narrowing the gap. Badosa called a medical timeout to address a lower back injury, but returned to serve out the set.The third set saw Sabalenka take control, breaking Badosa twice. However, Badosa's injury worsened, forcing her to retire with Sabalenka leading 3-3. The Belarusian was visibly emotional at the net, comforting her opponent.The victory was bittersweet for Sabalenka, who had been dealing with the recent loss of her ex-partner. She had previously lost to Badosa in Miami, but was determined to turn things around in Stuttgart.Sabalenka's next opponent will be either No. 6 seed Marketa Vondrousova or 2023 Stuttgart semifinalist Anastasia Potapova. The Belarusian will be looking to continue her strong form on clay, having won the Australian Open earlier this year.