Stuttgart Open Quarter-Finals Delayed, Sabalenka and Gauff Await Matches

STUTTGART, Germany — In a surprising twist, the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open have been postponed due to regional regulations regarding Good Friday, leaving top players Aryna Sabalenka and Coco Gauff waiting to compete. The tournament halted its schedule on April 18, 2025, and players will now take to the court on Easter Saturday.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1, expressed her eagerness to return to clay, noting, “I feel good and can’t wait to start playing on clay.” Sabalenka, who received a first-round bye, was originally supposed to face Anastasia Potapova, who won her opening match but later withdrew due to an aggravated injury.

Sabalenka remarked on the situation, saying, “I was worried if everything is OK with her… I was like ‘What are you doing to me? My next match is on Saturday.’” This delay has created a unique opportunity for Sabalenka, who has reached the finals here three times without a title, to finally seek victory as the tournament resumes.

The quarter-finals, featuring Sabalenka against former doubles partner Elise Mertens, will now take place on Saturday. Good Friday regulations in Baden-Württemberg necessitated the pause, shifting matches until after the holiday. Sabalenka has been preparing her strategy as she will have to battle through potentially three matches over the weekend to capture the title.

Meanwhile, Gauff is set to compete against Jasmine Paolini in her quarter-final match, while other notable players like Iga Swiatek and Jessica Pegula prepare to face their respective opponents in this high-stakes tournament.

Despite the logistical challenge, the players remain determined. Pegula, ranked No. 3, will meet Ekaterina Alexandrova, who aims to build on her recent successes, having yet to drop a set in the tournament. Pegula, also coming off a strong season, looks to maintain her momentum.

Fans of the Stuttgart Open are eagerly anticipating the rescheduled quarter-finals, scheduled to resume on April 19, 2025, at the Porsche-Arena. The tournament not only offers ranking points and prize money but the chance for the champion to drive home in a new Porsche.

As the excitement builds for this delay-altered tournament, the tennis community watches closely. Will Sabalenka finally clinch the title that has eluded her? The thrill of the matches to come promises to deliver unexpected outcomes and palpable energy on the court.