Aryna Sabalenka, a three‑time champion at the Mutua Madrid Open, finally broke her clay‑court drought by defeating American rising star Peyton Stearns in her opening match of the season. The win came on the heels of her impressive "Sunshine Double" – a back‑to‑back title run at Indian Wells and Miami – and marked her first appearance on the red surface this year.
Having just been honoured as Sportswoman of the Year at the Laureus awards, Sabalenka took a three‑week hiatus from competition. The break left her looking slightly out of rhythm, but the world No.1 quickly found her footing, edging 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 weighed in on Sabalenka's performance, noting the high expectations placed on the Belarusian.
"We're expecting perfection most of the time from Sabalenka, considering how many match wins she has [24‑1 in 2026]. But then you have to take into account that she has had a bit of a break. Throughout this season she is really picking and choosing which tournaments she wants to play.
After Miami, she wanted a few weeks off and then coming out here and playing at altitude against someone like Stearns, who does throw a lot at you and has the kick‑serve that really bounces up off the court at you, I felt like Sabalenka handled that really well. It wasn't her best performance but the good thing is she's still winning in straight sets.
You feel the more she's building into these events, she's the favourite for a reason, so all things considered she looks pretty relaxed out there today." Sabalenka's presence in the players' box sparked curiosity about her connection with Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois. She explained that Courtois had reached out when she was slated to attend a Real Madrid match last year. "He messaged me about coming, but he spent time with my boyfriend Georgios Frangulis.
I met him for the first time before the match. He's such a nice guy and great support," Sabalenka said, highlighting the friendly crossover between top athletes from different sports.
The tournament itself is set against the iconic backdrop of the Santiago Bernabéu stadium, where a temporary clay court has been installed to give players a rare chance to train in a venue steeped in football history. Courtois joined Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Jude Bellingham for a photo shoot on the makeshift court, underscoring the event's star‑studded atmosphere.
Elsewhere in the Madrid draw, 2024 Wimbledon champion Iga Swiatek continued her dominant run, dispatching qualifier Daria Snigur 6‑1, 6‑2 in just 61 minutes. Swiatek, who learned Spanish in high school, greeted the local crowd with a playful, "Hola, como estas Madrid?" She also reflected on her admiration for Rafael Nadal, recalling a training stint at his Majorca academy. "He's not officially coaching me, but I can always ask him anything.
It's comforting and shows what a good person he is," she said. In a surprising upset, former world No.2 Elina Svitolina fell to Hungary's Anna Bondar 6‑3, 6‑4. Bondar, who became the first Hungarian to defeat a top‑10 player since Timea Babos's 2018 Australian Open victory over CoCo Vandeweghe, credited her preparation and heavy forehand for the win.
"I knew I had to bring my A‑game, which I think I did today," Bondar remarked after the match. "I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. The conditions here suit my game, especially the heavy forehand." Svitolina, who had reached the Stuttgart semifinals the week before, required medical attention for an ankle issue during a timeout in the second set, which may have contributed to her defeat. The Madrid Open continues to offer fans a blend of high‑stakes tennis and unique experiences, with the tournament broadcast live on Sky Sports and available for streaming via NOW and the Sky Sports app.
Subscribers enjoy over 50% more live sport this year at no extra cost, ensuring that audiences can follow every rally, upset and breakthrough on the red clay of one of tennis's most storied venues.