Aryna Sabalenka, a three‑time champion at the Mutua Madrid Open, finally recorded her inaugural clay‑court win of the season by defeating American hopeful Peyton Stearns. The victory came on the heels of Sabalenka completing the coveted "Sunshine Double," a back‑to‑back triumph at Indian Wells and Miami earlier in the year.
Having just been honoured as the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year on Monday, Sabalenka returned to competition after a three‑week hiatus. While the world‑number‑one appeared slightly out of rhythm at the start, she gradually found her footing 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 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." The match took place in an unusual setting: the iconic Santiago Bernabéu stadium, traditionally a football arena, had been transformed into a temporary clay court for the tournament. Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois was spotted in Sabalenka's players' box, prompting a question about how the two athletes had connected.
Sabalenka explained, "I was supposed to go to a Real Madrid game last year and he messaged if I was coming, but he spent time with my boyfriend [Georgios Frangulis]. I just met him for the first time before the match.
He's such a nice guy and great support." Courtois later joined Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner and Jude Bellingham for a photo op on the makeshift court, underscoring the crossover appeal of the event. In the same session, defending champion Iga Świątek showcased her dominance, dispatching qualifier Daria Snigur 6‑1, 6‑2 in just 61 minutes. The Polish star, who learned Spanish in high school, attempted a few words in the local language, joking, "Honestly I should've learned more.
But hola, ¿cómo estás Madrid?" Świątek also spoke about her admiration for Rafael Nadal, recalling a training stint at his Majorca academy. Although Nadal does not hold an official coaching role, Świątek said, "I don't know if he's watching or not, I know he's super busy, even more busy I think than when he played.
We're not in constant touch but I know I can always ask him anything if I want, so this is really comforting and it also shows how good of a person he is." Elsewhere in the draw, Elina Svitolina suffered a surprising defeat to Hungary's Anna Bondár, losing 6‑3, 6‑4. Bondár, who became the first Hungarian to topple a top‑10 opponent since Timea Babos upset CoCo Vandeweghe at the 2018 Australian Open, credited her preparation and the conditions.
"I knew I had to bring my A game, which I think I did today," she said in the post‑match interview. "I played against her three times last year, so I knew what to expect. I think the conditions fit my game here really well – I like to use my heavy forehand, so I think that was one of the keys today." Svitolina, a recent semi‑finalist in Stuttgart, required medical attention for an ankle issue during a timeout in the second set, which may have contributed to her loss. The tournament continues to offer fans multiple ways to watch, with live coverage on Sky Sports and streaming options through NOW and the Sky Sports app.
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