Aryna Sabalenka melts hearts by calling herself ‘almost Brazilian’ in an emotional tribute to the fans at Madrid Open
World Number one Aryna Sabalenka is bidding for her third clay court title at the Madrid Open.
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Aryna Sabalenka (image via X)
Aryna Sabalenka is yet to come to Brazil, but she is experiencing an outpouring of love from Brazilian fans at the Mutua Madrid Open. The World No. 1 started feeling the love from the Brazilian fans last month at the Hard Rock Stadium, and she eventually went on to win the tournament, clinching her maiden Miami Open title.
In between cheering on one of their own in Brazilian teenager Joao Fonseca, the fans found time to adopt Sabalenka, who received a shirt that dubbed her “Our Brazilian diva.” She also shared a photo of that shirt on Instagram.
Thank you so much, everyone, for coming, watching, and supporting us. Especially my Brazilian support—you guys are the best. Obrigado! They’re my people. I’m almost Brazilian at this point.
Aryna Sabalenka said after her win to Tennis.Com
Fonseca, despite giving a tough fight, lost to Tommy Paul on Saturday in the second round of the Madrid Open. But the Brazilians were back for Sabalenka. Sabalenka reached her fifth final of the season at the Stuttgart Open, losing to Jelena Ostapenko. After that tournament, Sabalenka kicked off her campaign strongly in Madrid. The Belarusian defeated Anna Blinkova in straight sets in her opening round match.
The two-time Madrid champion came back from a set down to overcome Elise Mertens in the third-round match. Mertens had partnered with Sabalenka during their triumph at the 2019 US Open doubles and the 2021 Australian Open doubles. They also completed the Sunshine Double in women’s doubles in 2019.
Aryna Sabalenka becomes the third active WTA player to reach double figures for victories against a single player
With this victory over Elise Mertens, Aryna Sabalenka improved her head-to-head record over her former doubles partner to 10-2. The other active WTA players who have reached double figures for victories against a single player are Iga Swiatek and Madison Keys.
Swiatek holds a remarkable 11-3 record against Coco Gauff, while Keys has a 10-2 record against Daria Kasatkina. Swiatek and Keys are also competing in the Madrid Open. Defending champion Swiatek will face Diana Shnaider in the round of 16, while Keys will face Donna Vekic in the round of 16.
Sabalenka will lock horns with Peyton Stearns in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. They have only met once before, which was at the 2024 Indian Wells, where Sabalenka defeated the American in three sets.
Joao fonseca gave a tough battle to Tommy Paul
Tommy Paul’s clutch performance at the Madrid Open earned him a hard-fought opening victory Saturday night against fan favorite Joao Fonseca. The American found his best tennis towards the end of both sets to deny the popular Brazilian and his many fans in Manolo Santana Stadium.
Playing his second clay event of the season and his first European clay event since he reached the quarterfinals at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Paul fended off Fonseca two set points at 4/6 in the opening tiebreak and another two serving at 4-5 in the second set.
The American will face Karen Khachanov in his next round. Khachanov had a strong run at the Barcelona Open, where he reached the semifinals and lost to eventual champion Holger Rune.
Also Read: (Video) Marta Kostyuk stuns fans with unbelievable backspin ace at Madrid Open
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