Sabalenka and Swiatek Advance to Madrid Open Quarterfinals

MADRID, Spain – World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka and No. 2 Iga Swiatek both advanced to the quarterfinals of the Mutua Madrid Open on Tuesday. Sabalenka defeated American Peyton Stearns 6-2, 6-4, while Swiatek overcame Russia’s Diana Shnaider 6-0, 6-7 (3), 6-4.

Sabalenka’s match marked her 28th victory this year, making her the leading player on the WTA Tour. The two-time Madrid champion has now reached the quarterfinals of this event four times in the last five years. “I felt good today, and I was able to stay focused when it mattered,” Sabalenka said after her win.

In a noteworthy performance, Sabalenka defended all 10 break points against her in the first set. She will next face Ukrainian No. 24 seed Marta Kostyuk, who advanced by defeating Anastasia Potapova 6-3, 6-2. Their match will feature two players who have had successful runs in this tournament.

Swiatek’s match against Shnaider proved to be a more challenging affair, particularly in the second set, where she had to fight off several break points before clinching the victory in the final set. “I think I managed to regain my rhythm in the third set,” Swiatek said. “It felt like I moved better and made better shots.”

She will face Madison Keys in the quarterfinals, after Keys dispatched Croatia’s Donna Vekic 6-2, 6-3. Both players acknowledge the significance of their upcoming match, having faced each other previously with Swiatek leading their all-time record at 4-2.

The quarterfinals promise to be exciting with top-ranked players vying for a chance to progress further in the tournament. Fans can expect thrilling matches as the competition heats up in Madrid.