Winning mentally, Sabalenka thanks the Roman public: "Rome, you are in my heart forever".
Since Madrid, Aryna Sabalenka has been enjoying a string of miraculous victories. While not always playing her best tennis, the world No. 2 has, in recent weeks, shown an incredible mental resilience. After winning four matches in three sets in Madrid (including two when trailing by a set), the Belarusian was once again badly beaten in Italy. It all started in her very first match, when she needed three sets to defeat Katie Volynets (4-6, 6-3, 6-2). The Australian Open champion then went on to defeat Dayana Yastremska to perfection (6-2, 6-4), and was on the verge of going out on Monday. Facing Elina Svitolina in the Round of 16, Sabalenka went through all kinds of emotions. Having saved three match points, it was only after a thrilling final tiebreak that Aryna was able to raise her arms (4-6, 6-1, 7-6).
After another superb match, the 25-year-old finally clinched her place in the quarters in a very special context. As a reminder, confrontations between Svitolina and Russian or Belarusian players are often tense, as the Ukrainian has refused to shake hands with them since the start of the war. This match was no exception to tradition, and both players, although smiling, dispensed with the handshake.
When asked about this magnificent success, the world number 2 paid tribute to the Italian public, who supported her with such fervor: "I just want to say, Roma, you're in my heart forever. That kind of support was incredible. It was a great battle. Somehow I managed to manage my body and win this match. I'm really happy with the win. I hope I can recover for the next match (Wednesday). I hope I'll be ready to play another match here in Rome. Thanks to everyone!"
For a place in the semi-finals, she will face 10th-ranked Jelena Ostapenko this Wednesday.
Rome 
