BAPTISTE STUNS SABALENKA TO REACH MADRID OPEN SEMI-FINAL.

World number 32 Hailey Baptiste produced a stunning comeback to knock out
defending champion Aryna Sabalenka 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6), ending the Belarusian’s 15-
match-winning streak and booking a maiden WTA 1000 semi-final at the Madrid
Open.
The American showed nerves of steel, saving five match points at 4-5 in the final set
and another in the tiebreak before sealing the biggest win of her career.
Baptiste’s power game proved decisive, firing 12 aces and attacking relentlessly to
unsettle the three-time Madrid champion.
Sabalenka had looked in control after taking the opening set, but Baptiste grew into
the contest, dictating rallies and stepping up in the biggest moments.
A bold serve-and-volley to save a match point underlined her fearless display in a
gripping two-hour, 30-minute battle.
Up next for Baptiste in the semi-final is a clash against Mirra Andreeva, who
overcame Leylah Fernandez 7-6(1), 6-3 in straight sets.
Elsewhere in the men’s draw, world number one Jannik Sinner advanced to the
quarter-finals with a 6-2, 7-5 win over Cameron Norrie.
Defending champion Casper Ruud also progressed after a dramatic 6-7(4), 7-6(2), 7-
6(3) victory over Stefanos Tsitsipas, fighting back from the brink to keep his title
defence alive.