Hailey Baptiste produced a career-defining win against Aryna Sabalenka to reach the semifinals of the Madrid Open for the very first time.
Baptiste battled for two hours and 30 minutes before finally defeating the top seed and WTA number one 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(8-6).
It represents the first top five win of her career, and brings an end to a 15-match winning streak for Sabalenka.
And the American was on hand to analyse her stunning Madrid Open win shortly after, specifically focusing on a superb forehand winner at 5-5 in the third set from off the court.
What has been the best WTA match of 2026?
Let us know in the comments!
Hailey Baptiste suggests she left Aryna Sabalenka ‘frightened’ during Madrid win
Baptiste was asked afterwards: “When you hit that shot, what was your reaction? And just going from side to side on the court in your coverage, how often are you working on that in training and in that scenario, hypothetically?”
She replied: “I wouldn’t say that I’m like necessarily working on hitting balls outside the alley. But obviously when you’re playing points all the time you get into those positions.
“I actually really enjoy being in those positions, because I feel like I can create shots there. Yeah, I was able to do it in a really big moment.
“I think that she was maybe a little frightened by that. I know I would be if somebody came up with that in that moment. But, yeah.”
Hailey Baptiste stopped ‘fighting’ herself vs Aryna Sabalenka
Baptiste may have also been frightened late on, having saved a huge six match points to finally get over the line in the Spanish capital.
Discussing her mindset to prevail in the thrilling tiebreak, Baptiste said: “Yeah, I just decided to stop fighting myself basically.
“It’s a decision, like, that you just make pretty much. I wanted to say, Oh, it’s so hard, and like, Oh, you don’t understand the way I’m feeling.
“But at the end of the day it’s just a decision. Like, either you get over it or you sit in that feeling. Sitting in that feeling has gotten me nowhere and, yeah.”
Aryna Sabalenka is now the — best women’s player of all time
Where are you ranking her?
Hailey Baptiste preparing for tough test against Mirra Andreeva
Baptiste has little time to celebrate her fantastic victory over Sabalenka, with ninth seed Mirra Andreeva now awaiting in the semifinals.
The Russian defeated the American in their only previous meeting on the WTA Tour, winning 6-1, 6-3 in the Wimbledon round of 32 last year.
Previewing their next encounter in Madrid, Baptiste commented: “Yeah, somebody else that I played before and lost to.
“A little bit of a revenge tour, I guess. Looking to go out there and play my game again and get another win.”
It represents another opportunity for a top 10 victory, with Baptiste having also knocked Jasmine Paolini out of the Madrid Open.
The 30th seed has also defeated Kaitlin Quevedo and Belinda Bencic throughout her memorable run at the WTA 1000 event.
Receive exclusive tennis news and updates twice a week to your mailbox
