World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka showcased resilience at the Madrid Open on Wednesday, overcoming both Ukraine's Marta Kostyuk and challenging weather conditions to secure a 7-6(4), 7-6(7) quarterfinal victory. The Belarusian navigated rain delays, 48 unforced errors, and a fierce comeback attempt by her opponent to reach her fourth Madrid semifinal.
"It wasn't about tennis today—it was about emotional control," Sabalenka remarked after the grueling 2-hour match. The two-time Australian Open champion saved three set points in the second tiebreak after play resumed under the closed roof of Manolo Santana Stadium.
Sabalenka now faces Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who extended her clay-court dominance with a commanding 6-2, 6-1 win over Japan's Moyuka Uchijima. Svitolina, riding an 11-match winning streak, has dropped only 23 games in four Madrid matches.
In the other semifinal, a highly anticipated clash looms between current Roland Garros champion Iga Swiatek and surging 18th seed Madison Keys. The Polish top seed seeks her third WTA 1000 title of 2024, while Keys aims to continue her career-best clay season.
The Madrid Open continues to highlight Asia's growing influence in global tennis, with multiple Japanese and Chinese players reaching later stages in doubles competitions this week.
