Aryna Sabalenka, a three‑time champion at the Mutua Madrid Open, finally broke her clay‑court drought this season by defeating American rising star Peyton Stearns. The win came on the heels of Sabalenka completing the coveted "Sunshine Double," a back‑to‑back triumph at Indian Wells and Miami, underscoring her dominant form heading into the European clay swing. Having been honoured as Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus Awards earlier in the week, Sabalenka returned to competition after a three‑week hiatus. While the world‑number‑one appeared a touch rusty in the opening games, she steadied herself and edged Stearns 7‑5, 6‑3.
"It was a tough match," Sabalenka told Sky Sports Tennis. "It was my first match on clay. She's an incredible player and I feel like this court suits her game really well.
The more I was staying on the court the better I was feeling and I really hope in the next one I'll bring better tennis. I'm just glad that when it matters I was bringing the best tennis." Former British No.1 Laura Robson offered perspective on Sabalenka's performance.
"We expect perfection most of the time from Sabalenka, given her astounding 24‑1 record this year," Robson said. "But you have to remember she took a short break after Miami.
She’s been selective about her schedule, picking the events that fit her preparation plan. Coming into Madrid at altitude against a player like Stearns, who hits a big kick‑serve that bounces high, she handled the conditions well. It wasn’t her absolute best, but she still won in straight sets, which says a lot about her mental toughness." Sabalenka’s presence in the players' box sparked curiosity when Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was spotted beside her.
She explained the connection: "I was supposed to attend a Real Madrid match last year and Courtois messaged me about it. He ended up hanging out with my boyfriend, Georgios Frangulis, and we finally met just before the match. He's a great guy and very supportive." Courtois, alongside Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and footballer Jude Bellingham, posed for a photo at the Santiago Bernabéu, which has been temporarily transformed into a unique training arena for the tournament.
A full‑size clay court was installed inside the historic stadium, offering players a rare chance to practice on a surface steeped in sporting lore. In other Madrid action, defending champion Iga Swiatek displayed her usual authority, dispatching qualifier Daria Snigur 6‑1, 6‑2 in just 61 minutes. The Polish star, who learned Spanish during high school, greeted the local crowd with a playful, "Hola, ¿cómo estás Madrid?" She also reflected on her admiration for Rafael Nadal, recalling a training stint at his Majorca academy.
"He doesn’t have an official role with me, but I know I can always ask him anything. It’s comforting and shows what a good person he is," Swiatek said.
The tournament also produced an upset as Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina fell 6‑3, 6‑4 to Hungary’s Anna Bondar. Bondar, who became the first Hungarian to defeat a top‑10 player since Timea Babos’s 2018 Australian Open victory, credited her preparation and heavy forehand for the win.
"I knew I had to bring my A‑game, which I think I did today," she told reporters. "The conditions here suit my game, especially the high‑bouncing courts." Svitolina, who had reached the Stuttgart semifinals the week before, required an ankle treatment during a medical timeout in the second set, a factor that may have contributed to her loss.
Overall, the Madrid Open continues to blend elite tennis with the grandeur of its football heritage, offering fans a blend of high‑stakes competition and unique experiences. Viewers can follow the ATP and WTA action live via Sky Sports or stream through NOW and the Sky Sports app, which provides subscribers with over 50% more live sport at no extra charge.