In a gripping display of resilience at the 2025 Madrid Open, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka clawed her way back from a set down to defeat Belgium’s Elise Mertens in a third-round showdown that kept fans on the edge of their seats. The match, played on the clay courts of Park Manzanares, showcased Sabalenka’s trademark tenacity as she battled through early struggles to secure a 3-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory, advancing to the Round of 16 in her quest for a third Madrid title. The Belarusian’s comeback not only highlighted her fighting spirit but also underscored her adaptability on a surface where she continues to prove her doubters wrong.
The match began with Mertens, a former doubles partner of Sabalenka’s, seizing control. The Belgian played a near-flawless first set, capitalizing on Sabalenka’s uncharacteristic errors to take it 6-3. Mertens’ precise groundstrokes and steady serve frustrated the top seed, who struggled to find her rhythm on the slower clay. Fans sensed an upset brewing as Sabalenka, fresh off a dominant win over Anna Blinkova in the previous round, appeared rattled. Yet, the 26-year-old, known for her unrelenting power and mental fortitude, refused to let the early setback define the match.
As the second set unfolded, Sabalenka began to turn the tide. “It’s not about being confident. It’s about how much you’re ready to do to get it,” she had said earlier in the tournament, a mantra that seemed to guide her resurgence. She sharpened her focus, cutting down on unforced errors and unleashing her ferocious forehand to break Mertens early. The Belarusian’s aggressive play forced Mertens onto the defensive, and Sabalenka leveled the match by taking the second set 6-2. The crowd roared as she pumped her fist, her intensity palpable under the Madrid sun.
The decider was a masterclass in dominance. Sabalenka, now in full flow, overwhelmed Mertens with a barrage of winners, racing to a 6-1 rout. Her serve, which had faltered early, became a weapon, and she closed out the match with a searing ace. “I will be there, I will be fighting for every point and if I have an opportunity, I will take it,” Sabalenka had declared, and her performance embodied that promise. The victory improved her head-to-head record against Mertens to 10-2, with this being her 10th consecutive win over the Belgian across all surfaces.
Sabalenka’s path to the third round had not been without challenges. After a straight-sets win over Blinkova, she faced a tough draw in Madrid, a tournament where she has a storied history. The 2021 and 2023 champion, with an 18-4 record at the event, Sabalenka is no stranger to the Caja Mágica’s clay courts. Yet, her recent loss to Jelena Ostapenko in the Stuttgart Open final had raised questions about her form heading into the clay season. The Mertens match silenced those doubts, proving that Sabalenka’s hunger for success remains undiminished.
Reflecting on her clay-court ambitions, Sabalenka admitted that Roland Garros remains a coveted goal. “Every time I go there, it feels like a challenge, even though I love playing on clay,” she said. “But I love to take on tough challenges. I really hope that one day I can lift that beautiful trophy.” Her performance against Mertens suggests she’s building momentum for that dream, blending her hard-court power with the patience required on clay.
The broader context of the Madrid Open added intrigue to Sabalenka’s victory. The tournament saw other top players like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff navigating their own battles, while upsets, such as Victoria Azarenka’s first-round exit, underscored the unpredictability of the women’s draw. Sabalenka’s next opponent, either Rebeka Masarova or Peyton Stearns, awaits in the Round of 16, promising another test of her title credentials.
Off the court, Sabalenka’s vibrant personality shone through. Her recent purchase of a purple Porsche 911 GT3 RS, inspired by her frustration at losing the Stuttgart final’s car prize, added a lighthearted subplot to her Madrid campaign. “I’m so tired of losing the final, so I decided I will go for the craziest car there,” she quipped, showcasing the humor that endears her to fans. Yet, on the court, it was all business, as Sabalenka’s comeback against Mertens reaffirmed her status as a formidable champion.
As the Madrid Open progresses, Sabalenka’s journey promises more drama and brilliance. Her ability to overcome adversity, as demonstrated in this third-round thriller, sets the stage for a thrilling run. With the clay season in full swing, the World No. 1 is not just chasing titles but also cementing her legacy as one of tennis’s most electrifying talents.