Aryna Sabalenka explains how she even surprised herself in match against Elise Mertens at the Madrid Open

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Aryna Sabalenka needed a comeback win over Elise Mertens to secure her spot in the Madrid Open round of 16.

Sabalenka is now 10-2 versus Mertens in her career, having just won their Madrid Open third round tie 3-6, 6-2, 6-1.

The world number one is the top seed at the WTA 1000 event, where she beat Anna Blinkova in round two after a first round bye.

Sabalenka won her opener 6-3, 6-4, before surviving a real scare in the early stages of her meeting with Mertens.

The Belarusian is chasing a third WTA title at the Madrid Open, and also a 20th career title at the age of 26, with her latest coming at the Miami Open last month.

Aryna Sabalenka surprises herself in Madrid Open comeback win

And despite extending her impressive head-to-head record against Mertens, Sabalenka admitted to leaving herself surprised after a tricky challenge.

“It’s always tough battles against Elise,” she said after the win. “Today, she played incredible tennis, honestly.

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“I had no idea how I was able to turn around this match and bring such a great level in the second and the third set. I’m super happy with the win. It was a really tough match.

“Honestly, I was just trying to play point by point. I was trying to find the rhythm on my serve, especially on the serve and the baseline, as well.

“The moment I started focusing on the timing and not rushing the ball or over-hitting, things really clicked.”

Aryna Sabalenka has message for Brazilian fans after Madrid Open win vs Elise Mertens

Sabalenka and Mertens played out a thrilling two-hour battle in Madrid, with the pair having once been doubles partners.

The world number one fired down six aces in her comeback win, and recorded a first serve points won figure of 65.9%.

READ MORE: Jelena Ostapenko has message for Aryna Sabalenka after beating her in the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix final

Such feats came in front of many adoring Brazilian fans, despite Sabalenka being Belarusian and having never played in Brazil.

Singling them out after the victory, she said: “Thank you so much, everyone, for coming, watching and supporting us. Especially my Brazilian support, you guys are the best. Obrigado!”