In the electrifying quarter-finals of the Madrid Open, Aryna Sabalenka claimed a 6-1, 6-4 triumph over Mirra Andreeva, propelling herself into the next round. Andreeva, who celebrated her 17th birthday in Madrid, captivated the audience by becoming the youngest quarter-finalist in the history of the Madrid Open. Nevertheless, her jubilation was short-lived as Sabalenka, the No.2 seed, dashed Andreeva’s dreams for the second consecutive season.
The previous year, Andreeva gained attention by reaching the round of 16 in her WTA 1000 debut, only to be bested by Sabalenka. Despite facing a formidable adversary, Sabalenka commends Andreeva’s abilities, lauding her remarkable talent, agility, and powerful serves.
Andreeva’s impressive journey in the tournament included victories over No.7-seeded Marketa Vondrousova and Jasmine Paolini, highlighting her potential as an emerging star in the tennis world. However, her efforts were not enough to overcome the seasoned Sabalenka, who boasts a strong track record in the Madrid Open.
Sabalenka’s triumph follows grueling battles through three consecutive three-set matches to reach the quarter-finals. The two-time champion will square off against No.4-seeded Elena Rybakina in the semi-finals, marking their maiden encounter on clay. Demonstrating sportsmanship, Sabalenka praises Rybakina’s consistency and assertiveness on the court, expressing anticipation for their upcoming match.
Reflecting on the prior rounds of the Madrid tournament, Sabalenka emerged victorious in challenging encounters against top-seeded players, including Magda Linette, Robin Montgomery, and Danielle Collins. Andreeva, on the other hand, exhibited her resilience by overcoming formidable opponents such as Taylor Townsend, Linda Noskova, and Marketa Vondrousova.
The Madrid WTA 1000 also witnessed compelling quarter-final matchups, with Elena Rybakina securing a hard-fought victory over Yulia Putintseva and Madison Keys staging a remarkable comeback to defeat Ons Jabeur. In another thrilling contest, Iga Swiatek showcased her prowess by outclassing Beatriz Haddad Maia.
As the Madrid Open progresses, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await the upcoming semi-final matches and the crowning of the 2024 champion. With each match delivering new surprises and displays of athletic prowess, the tournament promises to enthrall audiences with its electrifying tennis action.