Sabalenka Defeats Rybakina 7-6(5) in Tiebreak to Reach Madrid Final

May 2, 2024, 11:50 PM

Aryna Sabalenka demonstrated remarkable resilience at the Madrid Open, overcoming a significant deficit to secure her place in the finals. Sabalenka, the defending champion, faced Elena Rybakina in a thrilling semifinal match, which extended to three sets. Despite losing the first set 1-6, Sabalenka rallied to win the next two sets 7-5, 7-6(5), clinching the third set in a tiebreak. This victory marks her third final appearance at the Madrid Open, tying her with Petra Kvitova and only behind Simona Halep. Sabalenka is set to face Iga Swiatek, the world number one, in a highly anticipated final that is a rematch of last year's event.