Sabalenka Moves Past Kostyuk to Secure Spot in Madrid Open Semis
Madrid, April 30 – Top seed Aryna Sabalenka advanced to the semi-finals of the Madrid Open for the fourth time after defeating Ukraine’s Marta Kostyuk in straight sets on Wednesday. The Belarusian overcame challenging weather and a mid-match rain delay to post a hard-fought 7-6(7/4), 7-6(9/7) victory.
The world number one took 84 minutes to edge a competitive opening set in windy, cold conditions. Kostyuk refused to back down, saving a match point and forcing a second-set tiebreak. Rain briefly paused the action with Sabalenka up 5-4 in the breaker, requiring the stadium roof to be closed before play resumed.
Upon return, Sabalenka fended off three set points before closing out the match, securing her third win over Kostyuk in as many meetings.
“That match was a real fight,” Sabalenka said afterward. “It wasn’t just about tennis—it was about managing emotions. I’m really proud of how I kept it together.”
Next up for Sabalenka is Ukrainian Elina Svitolina, who extended her unbeaten run on clay this season with a dominant 6-2, 6-1 win over Japan’s Moyuka Uchijima. The 30-year-old, who hasn’t dropped a set in 22 straight on clay, became the first Ukrainian woman to reach the Madrid semi-finals.
Elsewhere, Iga Swiatek bounced back from a disastrous first set to defeat Madison Keys 0-6, 6-3, 6-2, maintaining her perfect clay record against the American. She’ll face Coco Gauff in the semi-finals after the fourth seed overcame Mirra Andreeva 7-5, 6-1 for her first solo semi-final of the year.
With the competition tightening, Sabalenka’s perseverance and experience could prove key as she eyes a second Madrid crown.
