Aryna Sabalenka is famous for her on-court heroics. She has repeatedly shown that regardless of the circumstances, she can overcome hurdles to claim the ultimate prize.
On Thursday, the 25-year-old again showcased her talent once again as she came back from a set down to secure a hard-fought win in the semifinal of the Madrid Open against Elena Rybakina. The match was a gruelling battle, lasting for two hours and 17 minutes.
That victory was very special, especially considering that the reigning world number two looked down and out in the first set, where she managed to win just one solitary game.
What one fan shouted at Aryna Sabalenka
The Belarusian looked completely out of sorts early on, but the Madrid crowd decided to rally around her, when she was struggling.
And in that her post match interview on court, Sabalenka thanked one supporter in particular for their words, which inspired her to fight back.
“Today, honestly, if not for the people, I probably would’ve left this court losing 6-1 6-1 and be very sad,” she said.
“I felt all the support and I heard someone screaming ‘We want to see you on Saturday’ it really motivated me in that moment. I was like I have to fight. I have to try my best. If not, then not. If yes, then I’ll be the happiest person.”
How have Aryna Sabalenka’s results been in 2024?
Sabalenka is going through a mixed 2024 season. The world number two started brightly after winning the Australian Open for the second time in her career.
However since that slam success, she has had a rather quiet time on the court – failing to reach the semi-final of any event up until now.
Her recent victory, a hard-fought battle against one of the top players in the circuit, might well prove to be a big turning point for her ahead of the Grand Slam season.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Iga Swiatek head to head record
Next up for Sabalenka will be a dream clash against the world number one Iga Swiatek and a repeat of the last year’s final in Madrid. In that contest, Sabalenka secured a hard-fought 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 victory.
Sabalenka might have won that match, but Swiatek clearly has an edge over her in their previous battles over the years. In nine meetings, the Polish star has emerged victorious on six occasions and suffered just three defeats.
The stage is set for a thrilling showdown in Madrid on Saturday, where it will be interesting to see whether Sabalenka can once again rise to the occasion and outshine the reigning world number one or if Swiatek will maintain her impressive record over the two-time Grand Slam winner.
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