Sabalenka Edges Mertens In Three Sets For Ninth Consecutive Win

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Post on Apr 30, 2025

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Sabalenka Edges Mertens in Three-Set Thriller, Extends Winning Streak to Nine

Aryna Sabalenka continued her dominant run at the Madrid Open, overcoming a spirited challenge from Elise Mertens in a thrilling three-set victory. The Belarusian star secured a hard-fought 6-4, 6-7(5), 6-3 win, extending her impressive winning streak to nine consecutive matches. This victory solidifies Sabalenka's position as a strong contender for the Madrid Open title and highlights her exceptional form heading into the French Open.

The match was a captivating display of power tennis from Sabalenka, punctuated by Mertens’s consistent resilience and clever shot-making. The first set saw Sabalenka assert her dominance, breaking Mertens’s serve early and maintaining control to secure a 6-4 win. However, Mertens, known for her tenacity and skillful baseline play, refused to yield.

<h3>Mertens Mounts a Fightback</h3>

The second set witnessed a dramatic shift in momentum. Mertens displayed impressive grit, matching Sabalenka’s power with precision and strategically exploiting any slight openings in Sabalenka's game. The set went to a tiebreak, where Mertens showcased her composure and ultimately triumphed 7-5, evening the score and injecting renewed excitement into the match.

This thrilling second set showcased Mertens's ability to compete at the highest level. Her consistent groundstrokes and well-placed drop shots kept Sabalenka on the defensive, forcing the Belarusian to work harder for every point. The crowd was captivated by the intense rallies and the palpable tension on the court.

<h3>Sabalenka's Resilience Shines Through</h3>

Despite the setback, Sabalenka showed her championship mettle in the deciding set. She regrouped effectively, minimizing her unforced errors and unleashing her powerful serves and forehands with greater consistency. Sabalenka’s ability to adapt and maintain focus under pressure proved crucial.

• Strong Serve: Sabalenka’s powerful serve was a key factor in her victory, consistently troubling Mertens and earning crucial points.
• Mental Fortitude: Her ability to recover from losing the second set demonstrated exceptional mental strength.
• Strategic Adjustments: Sabalenka made effective adjustments to her game, countering Mertens’s tactics successfully.

The final set saw Sabalenka break Mertens's serve early and maintain a comfortable lead, eventually sealing the victory 6-3. This win marks Sabalenka's ninth consecutive victory, extending her impressive winning streak and solidifying her status as a leading contender in the women's tennis world.

<h3>Looking Ahead: French Open Aspirations</h3>

With this victory, Sabalenka's confidence will undoubtedly soar as she heads towards Roland Garros. Her consistent performance in Madrid indicates that she is in peak form and poses a significant threat to other top players at the upcoming French Open. The Madrid Open provides valuable match practice and a boost in confidence before the grueling clay-court Grand Slam. The question now is: can Sabalenka maintain this winning momentum and translate her success in Madrid to a deep run at the French Open? Only time will tell.