Sabalenka downs Osaka to reach Madrid Open quarter-finals
AFP | Madrid
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World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame Naomi Osaka 6-7 (1/7), 6-3, 6-2 in a gripping battle on Monday to reach the Madrid Open quarter-finals.
Sabalenka, who has claimed titles at Miami, Indian Wells and Brisbane this year, was tested by her Japanese opponent in the fourth-round clash but came back from a set and a break down to triumph.
“I was just trying to take one ball at a time and my team was there for me, they really (pushed) me to keep fighting, and I’m really happy that I didn’t give up and I was pushing until the very last point,” said Sabalenka.
The first set between the two four-time Grand Slam winners was tight, with only one break point forced, by Sabalenka, which Osaka saved to hold for 2-1.
Osaka dominated in the tiebreak, ripping into a 5-0 lead and then triumphing when Sabalenka lashed a return wide.
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