World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka secured a more straightforward victory over Peyton Stearns at the Mutua Madrid Open on Tuesday, unlike their previous tense encounter where Stearns pushed her close.
The top-ranked player, Sabalenka, comfortably defeated the world No. 44, Stearns, with a 6-2, 6-4 scoreline on the courts of the Caja Magica. This win propels her into the Madrid quarterfinals for the fourth time in the past five editions. Sabalenka, who has claimed the Madrid title twice (2021 and 2023), now boasts a career total of 20 match victories at this tournament.
With this win, Sabalenka is now the outright leader in tour-level match victories this season. Her 28th tour-level win surpasses Jessica Pegula`s total of 27 victories.
In the quarterfinals, the top seed will face either the 24th seed Marta Kostyuk or the world No. 39 Anastasia Potapova, who were scheduled to play later on Tuesday. Sabalenka holds a favorable head-to-head record against both potential opponents: 2-0 against Kostyuk and 1-0 against Potapova.
A More Comfortable Rematch
Their prior encounter at the 2024 Indian Wells tournament was a nail-biter. Stearns had challenged the then-world No. 2 Sabalenka significantly, even holding four match points and serving for the win twice before Sabalenka ultimately survived in a final-set tiebreak.
While the final score of Tuesday`s match appears decisive, the contest featured many tight moments. Stearns created numerous chances on Sabalenka`s serve, but the world No. 1 consistently demonstrated resilience on crucial points. Sabalenka maintains an impressive 14-0 record this season against opponents ranked outside the Top 40.
Clutch Play on Serve
Sabalenka`s strength in saving break points was key to her winning the first set with a seemingly routine score, despite the games themselves being hard-fought.
Stearns had a remarkable 10 break point opportunities in the opening set, but Sabalenka successfully defended every single one. Although Sabalenka`s first-serve percentage was only 53%, her effectiveness when the first serve landed was high (83% points won), allowing her to neutralize Stearns` numerous chances.
Stearns finally managed to convert a break point on her 13th attempt, leveling the second set at 3-3. She then held serve to take a 4-3 lead, raising the possibility of another lengthy battle similar to their previous encounter.
However, Sabalenka quickly shut down that possibility. She elevated her game, hitting precise and powerful shots to win the final three games and secure the victory. Overall statistics show Sabalenka converting four out of her seven break point chances and hitting 22 winners compared to Stearns` 13.
Rupert Caldwell