Aryna Sabalenka, the world No. 1 and a three-time Grand Slam champion, has found herself in an extraordinary predicament at the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart, Germany. As the top seed in this prestigious WTA 500 event, Sabalenka has advanced to the quarterfinals without striking a single ball, a rare occurrence driven by a combination of tournament rules, an opponent’s withdrawal, and local regulations. This bizarre twist has left the Belarusian star waiting until Saturday, April 19, to play her first match, sparking intrigue and highlighting the unpredictable nature of professional tennis.
Sabalenka’s journey in Stuttgart began with high expectations. The 26-year-old, who claimed the 2024 US Open and Miami Open titles, is determined to capture her first Stuttgart crown after finishing as runner-up in 2021, 2022, and 2023. “I want to finally win the Porsche this year,” she declared before the tournament, reflecting on her three final losses to world No. 1s Ashleigh Barty and Iga Swiatek. “I lost three finals here against No. 1s, so I was, like: ‘Okay, I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world No. 1.’” Her resolve is fueled by a stellar 2025 season, where she has amassed over $2 million in prize money and holds a commanding lead in the WTA rankings.
As a top seed at a WTA 500 event, Sabalenka received a first-round bye, a standard perk that positioned her directly in the round of 16. She was scheduled to face Anastasia Potapova, ranked No. 38, who had battled through a grueling three-hour, three-set victory over Clara Tauson on April 14. However, Potapova’s exertions took a toll, and she announced her withdrawal on April 15 due to a recurring injury. “Very sad to announce that I’m not able to continue my run in Stuttgart,” Potapova shared on social media. “Last few days were very tough and unfortunately my old injury came up. I will make sure I’m ready and healthy for Madrid.” Under WTA rules, a withdrawal after the first round does not allow for a lucky loser replacement in the second round, granting Sabalenka a walkover into the quarterfinals.
The situation grew even more unusual due to local regulations in Baden-Württemberg, where Stuttgart is located. State laws prohibit sporting events on Good Friday, which falls on April 18, 2025. As a result, the tournament schedule was adjusted, pushing the quarterfinals to Saturday and extending the event to a Monday final on April 21. This means Sabalenka, who was initially set for a Wednesday start, faces an unprecedented wait. “Tennis scheduling just can’t help not being a mess,” one observer noted on social media, capturing the sentiment around this logistical quirk.
Sabalenka’s quarterfinal opponent will be Elise Mertens, her former doubles partner, who earned her spot with a 6-2, 7-6(5) victory over eighth seed Diana Shnaider. Mertens, a crafty player known for her versatility, presents a formidable challenge, but Sabalenka’s 4-2 head-to-head lead, including a straight-sets win in Stuttgart’s 2023 semifinals, gives her an edge. The delay, while unusual, offers Sabalenka a chance to rest and prepare, a potential advantage in a draw packed with heavyweights like Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff, and Jessica Pegula.
The Stuttgart Open, held at the Porsche Arena since 2006, is a cornerstone of the clay season, offering a €142,610 prize and a Porsche Macan Turbo to the champion. Sabalenka’s history with the event is bittersweet; her three final appearances showcase her clay-court prowess, but her 2024 quarterfinal loss to Marketa Vondrousova stung. “It’s important for every player to know they’re able to play on each surface,” Sabalenka said last year, emphasizing her growth on clay, where she won the 2023 Madrid Open. Her preparation for 2025, which began immediately after Miami, reflects her commitment to mastering the surface’s demands, from sliding to enduring long rallies.
The delay has not dampened Sabalenka’s spirits. Known for her playful off-court persona, she recently shared a lighthearted Instagram story, sneaking a grape from a fruit basket labeled “not for us” in German and quipping, “Sorry, we don’t speak German.” Her ability to stay relaxed amid the wait underscores her mental resilience, honed through high-stakes battles like her 2024 Madrid Open thriller against Swiatek. With a 12-2 record against top-10 players since last year, Sabalenka remains a favorite to claim the title.
As Stuttgart’s indoor clay courts await her debut, Sabalenka’s unusual path to the quarterfinals adds a layer of drama to an already star-studded event. Whether the extended rest proves a blessing or a disruption, her focus remains clear: to finally drive away in that Porsche. With Mertens standing in her way and a potential semifinal clash with Gauff looming, Sabalenka’s quest for Stuttgart glory is poised to captivate tennis fans worldwide.