Sabalenka to Clash with Stivolina in Madrid Open Semi-Final

Madrid: In a thrilling match at the Manolo Santana court, world number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame Marta Kostyuk on Thursday, securing her spot in the Madrid Open semi-final.

The intense battle between the Ukrainian and Belarusian players lasted three hours, featuring powerful baseline exchanges, emotional moments, and unwavering resolve.

Despite facing tougher opposition than expected, Aryna Sabalenka maintained composure during critical junctures to claim victory.

Both athletes displayed comparable skills, each serving two aces and committing five double faults.

Sabalenka landed 68% of her initial serves, compared to Kostyuk’s 54%. However, the Ukrainian surpassed her in first-serve win percentage, achieving 69% against Sabalenka’s 65%.

The pivotal moments of the contest occurred during the tiebreaks. Sabalenka’s ability to win both tiebreaks, one in each of the first two sets, highlighted her mental fortitude under pressure.

Her efficiency in capitalizing on crucial points proved decisive, as she converted three of nine break points, while Kostyuk managed to convert three of fifteen.

Although Kostyuk secured more receiving points, 48 to 44, Sabalenka ultimately accumulated a higher total of points won, 110 to 106, and maintained her composure to win 14 games compared to Kostyuk’s 12.

With this triumph, Sabalenka sustains her strong performance on clay, inching closer to defending her Madrid title.

The Belarusian competitor is now set to face Elina Stivolina of Ukraine in the semi-final.