Aryna Sabalenka Edges Marta Kostyuk in Madrid Open Quarterfinals

Madrid, Spain – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka triumphed over Marta Kostyuk in a challenging quarterfinal match at the Madrid Open on April 30, 2025, winning 7-6 (4), 7-6 (7) on a stormy evening.

The two-time champion fought through windy and damp conditions at the Caja Mágica to secure her spot in the semi-finals. This victory marks Sabalenka’s fourth appearance in the final four of the tournament and her third consecutive semi-final entry.

The match was a battle of resilience, with both players facing not only each other but also the looming threat of rain. The first set was tightly contested, with Kostyuk earning a break point but unable to capitalize fully. Eighty-five minutes in, Sabalenka seized the first set after winning a tiebreak 7-4.

As the second set progressed, both players exchanged breaks before the weather took a turn. With the score at 5-4 in the tiebreaker, Sabalenka called for a stoppage due to rain, sparking frustration from Kostyuk, who voiced her displeasure to the umpire.

Following a brief pause while the roof was closed, Sabalenka returned to the court and saved three set points before clinching the match with a final tiebreak score of 7-6 (7).

The lack of a handshake between the two competitors highlighted the tension that permeated the match. Sabalenka reflected on the experience, stating, “It wasn’t about tennis, it was about the way you handle your emotions. I think I did that well.”

Next, Sabalenka will face 17th seed Elina Svitolina, another Ukrainian, as she aims for her third title at the Madrid Open.