After Swiatek and Gauff, Sabalenka and Rybakina reach the last 16 in Madrid

On Saturday, Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff held their nerve to reach the last 16. On Sunday, it was Sabalenka and Rybakina's turn. Both have done their utmost to ensure their place in the next round.

Elena Rybakina was the first to earn her ticket. Faced with an inconsistent opponent, the Kazakh was never really challenged. Solid on serve, the world number 4 calmly disposed of the Egyptian Mayar Sherif (6-1, 6-4 in 1h30). In the last 16, the world number 4 will face the astonishing Sara Bejlek (18 years old, 136th in the world and a qualifier).

For her part, Aryna Sabalenka had a little more difficulty. Initially dominant, she was then seriously challenged by her opponent, Robin Montgomery (19, 183rd in the world, invited by the organizers). Surprised by an uninhibited American, the title-holder struggled for almost 2h30. The experienced Belarusian accelerated at the right moment to qualify for the next round (6-1, 6-7, 6-4 in 2h28). In the eighth round, the winner of the last Australian Open will face Danielle Collins, unbeaten in 15 matches (she won in Miami and Charleston before coming to Madrid).