In a twist of fate at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix, Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and top seed, has sailed into the Stuttgart Open quarter-finals without striking a single ball in competition. The Belarusian powerhouse was set to face Russia’s Anastasia Potapova in the round of 16, but Potapova’s sudden withdrawal due to a recurring injury handed Sabalenka an unexpected free pass. This development, announced on Tuesday, April 15, 2025, not only propels Sabalenka forward but also grants her a rare gift on the grueling WTA tour: rest. “Very sad to announce that I’m not able to continue my run in Stuttgart,” Potapova shared, her disappointment palpable. “Last few days were very tough and unfortunately my old injury came up. I always loved to play here and happy with my yesterday’s win, but it is what it is… See you in 2026!”
Sabalenka, a three-time Grand Slam champion, arrived in Stuttgart as a favorite, carrying a formidable 23-4 record this season. Her journey began with a first-round bye, a perk of her top seeding, and she was poised to take on Potapova, who had battled through a marathon victory over Clara Tauson on Monday. That match, a grueling 2-6, 7-6(3), 6-3 affair lasting over two hours, saw Potapova save a match point to advance. Yet, the physical toll proved too much, forcing her to step back and focus on recovery for the upcoming Madrid Open. For Sabalenka, the walkover means she’ll stay fresh until Saturday, April 19, when she faces either Elise Mertens or Diana Shnaider in the quarter-finals. The extended break comes courtesy of local laws in Baden-Württemberg, which prohibit sporting events on Good Friday, April 18, pushing the tournament’s schedule to culminate on Easter Monday.
This isn’t Sabalenka’s first dance with Stuttgart’s clay. A finalist in 2021, 2022, and 2023, she’s yet to claim the coveted title—and the Porsche that comes with it. Her playful attempt to “smash” Iga Swiatek’s prize car window in 2023 after losing the final became a lighthearted moment, but it underscored her hunger for victory here. “Due to the public holiday bye-laws of the Federal State of Baden-Württemberg, it is not allowed to hold sports events on Good Friday,” tournament organizers explained, giving Sabalenka an unusual mid-tournament pause. This could be a double-edged sword: while the rest preserves her energy for a potential three-match sprint to the title, the lack of match play might leave her slightly undercooked against battle-tested opponents.
The draw ahead is no cakewalk. Mertens, a crafty veteran, or Shnaider, a rising star who defeated Veronika Kudermetova in a three-set thriller, will test Sabalenka’s readiness. Beyond them, the semi-finals could pit her against Coco Gauff or Jasmine Paolini, both lurking in her quarter. A final showdown with Iga Swiatek, who’s lost just once in Stuttgart and has beaten Sabalenka in two finals here, looms as a tantalizing possibility. Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign has been a rollercoaster—titles in Brisbane and Miami, a heartbreaking Australian Open final loss to Madison Keys, and a blown lead against Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells. Yet, her aggressive baseline game and booming serve make her a constant threat, especially on clay, where her power can overwhelm.
For Potapova, the withdrawal is a bitter pill. The 24-year-old, ranked No. 38, showed grit against Tauson but couldn’t shake the injury that’s plagued her before. “I will make sure I’m ready and healthy for Madrid,” she vowed, her focus shifting to recovery. Meanwhile, Sabalenka’s path forward sparks debate: is this rest a blessing, giving her legs a break after a demanding season, or a curse, risking rustiness in a tournament where rhythm is key? Her past clashes with Potapova—most notably a 6-1, 6-2 rout in the 2023 Stuttgart semi-finals—suggest she would’ve been a heavy favorite, but now the challenge is mental, staying sharp without competitive reps.
As Stuttgart’s clay courts lie quiet for Good Friday, all eyes turn to Sabalenka’s next move. Will she capitalize on this stroke of luck to finally conquer the tournament that’s eluded her, or will the lack of match time prove a stumble? With a title—and perhaps that Porsche—within reach, the tennis world waits to see if the Belarusian can seize her moment when she finally steps onto the court.