MADRID : Hailey Baptiste produced a remarkable comeback to upset world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6) in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open, ending the Belarusian’s 15-match winning streak.
The 24-year-old American showcased an inventive blend of tactics—mixing net approaches, changes of pace and bold serve-and-volley play—to pull Sabalenka out of her comfort zone on clay. Baptiste saved six match points in a dramatic decider to seal one of the biggest wins of her career.
With the French Open approaching, Baptiste’s performance highlighted how variety can disrupt even the most powerful players on slower surfaces.
“I had a better idea of how to play her and the adjustments I needed,” Baptiste said, referencing their recent meeting in Miami. “In those moments, I just go with instinct—and today it worked.”
She added that her approach was designed to make Sabalenka uncomfortable:
“Serving and volleying, using drop shots—that’s not an easy position to put her in.”
Sabalenka, 27, was gracious in defeat, crediting her opponent’s fearless execution.
“She played really brave tennis on those match points,” Sabalenka said. “I gave her belief, and she took her chances well.”
Baptiste will next face Mirra Andreeva for a place in the final.
