Hailey Baptiste stuns Sabalenka in Madrid
Hailey Baptiste has pulled off one of the biggest upsets of the season, defeating world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6) in Madrid to reach her first WTA 1000 semifinal.
Baptiste saved six match points in the deciding set before forcing a tiebreak and completing a remarkable comeback. The victory ends Sabalenka’s 15-match winning streak and her title defense.
This is the biggest win of Baptiste’s career. She earns her first victory over a world No. 1 and is projected to rise to a career-high ranking of No. 24.
After the match, Baptiste reflected on the moment:
“Incredible. Super proud of myself. It was super tight… had to fight off match points. I’m really happy right now.”
She also spoke about what the win means for her confidence:
“It just shows me where my game lies. I’ve always believed it. Now I’m starting to put it into action and the world is seeing it as well.”
Sabalenka admitted she had chances but was outplayed in the key moments:
“I had some opportunities and didn’t take them. I feel like she played very brave tennis in those match-point moments, and that made the difference… well done.”
The result also makes her just the second American woman to beat a world No. 1 in Madrid, joining Serena Williams.
Baptiste will now face Mirra Andreeva in the semifinals as she continues a breakthrough run.
