Sabalenka Survives Early Scare to Power into Madrid Round 4
Aryna Sabalenka’s journey at the Madrid Open continues after she overcame a rocky start to defeat Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 and punch her ticket into the fourth round. Tested early by her familiar rival, Sabalenka once again found a way to weather the storm and impose her dominance when it mattered most.
The opening set saw Sabalenka struggle with her timing and control. Mertens, showing great determination, capitalized on Sabalenka’s errors and broke early to take command. Unlike their battle last week where Sabalenka managed to avoid dropping a set, this time she couldn’t escape a sluggish start. Mertens snatched the first set, raising real questions about whether another upset was brewing on the Madrid clay.
But true to her fighting spirit, Sabalenka roared back in stunning fashion. Resetting her focus, she stormed through the second set, hitting with brutal precision and taking complete control of the rallies. Her serve, which had faltered early, became a weapon once again, and she began pushing Mertens onto the defensive with every shot.
The third set turned into a masterclass. Sabalenka unleashed her full arsenal, combining raw power with relentless pressure. Mertens, who had fought so bravely in the first hour, found herself overwhelmed and outgunned as Sabalenka sprinted through the final set 6-1 to seal the victory.
This win extends Sabalenka’s dominance over Mertens to a staggering 10-2 head-to-head record. Despite being tested at the start, Sabalenka once again proved she knows how to find another gear when her back is against the wall. For the second match in a row against Mertens, she showed that even if the scoreboard tightens, her belief and aggression ultimately shine through.
As she moves into Round 4, Sabalenka is once again making a statement. Despite a rocky opener, she leaves no doubt that she remains one of the tournament favorites. With her powerful game clicking into gear, opponents will be watching closely — and nervously — as she continues her march towards another deep run in Madrid.
For Mertens, it is another frustrating chapter against a rival she just cannot seem to solve. Despite glimpses of brilliance, Mertens was ultimately overpowered by the force of Sabalenka’s game once the match turned.
With the win in her pocket and her confidence rising, Sabalenka marches on, her Madrid mission still very much alive.