Sabalenka Escapes Kostyuk's Trap to Secure Spot in Madrid Semifinals

It was tough for Aryna Sabalenka, but the world No. 1 will indeed be in the semifinals of the WTA 1000 in Madrid.

Facing Marta Kostyuk tonight, an opponent she had always beaten in their two previous meetings, Sabalenka struggled, saving a first-set ball at 5-4 before taking control in the tiebreak.

She then served for the match at 6-5 in the second set, but Kostyuk’s resilience kept her alive, forcing another tiebreak.

Rain then interrupted play in Madrid with Kostyuk leading 5-4 in the decisive game. Upon their return, the Ukrainian earned three set points but ultimately succumbed 8-7 on the world No. 1’s first match point.

With 36 winners and a hard-fought victory, Sabalenka advanced to her fourth career semifinal in Madrid, matching the record held by Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova. She will face Elina Svitolina next, aiming to reach the final for the third consecutive year.