Aryna Sabalenka overcame a first-set deficit to defeat Elise Mertens 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 at the Mutua Madrid Open on Sunday, advancing to the tournament's fourth round. The victory marked the ninth consecutive time Aryna Sabalenka has beaten her former doubles partner.
After the win, the world No. 1 acknowledged a group of supporters in the stands. Aryna Sabalenka shouts out Brazilian fans after Madrid comeback.
"Thank you so much, everyone, for coming, watching and supporting us," Sabalenka said. "Especially my Brazilian support, you guys are the best. Obrigado!"
Sabalenka first noted a growing Brazilian fan base during her title run last month. Brazilian fans adopt Aryna Sabalenka in Miami, where she received a shirt calling her "Our Brazilian diva."
Against Mertens in Madrid, Sabalenka initially struggled, committing 14 unforced errors in the opening set. She reduced that number in the subsequent sets while increasing her winner count.
"I was trying to find the rhythm on my serve," Sabalenka said in her on-court interview. "The moment I started focusing on the timing, on not rushing the ball, on not overhitting, things really clicked."
The two-time Madrid champion reaches the last 16 in the Spanish capital for the fourth time.
Next, Aryna Sabalenka faces American Peyton Stearns. Their only previous meeting saw Sabalenka save four match points to win in a third-set tiebreak at Indian Wells in 2024.
