"Feel like they maybe annoyed her and they really helped me": Aryna Sabalenka harnessed Brazilian support to distract Osaka momentum

Monday, 27 April 2026 at 19:00

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Aryna Sabalenka fought back from a set down to defeat Naomi Osaka 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 and book her place in the quarter-finals of the Madrid Open, producing a resilient and increasingly dominant display as the match wore on.

In what she described as a “really difficult match,” Sabalenka had to withstand an aggressive start from Osaka, who applied constant pressure with her serve and attacking play. She moves through at the Madrid Open.

“She was playing really aggressive tennis, really great serving. She brought a great fight on court,” Sabalenka said to Tennis Channel. “I just dropped my level a little bit in that first set when I got the break, and she took the set. I’m happy that I stayed in the game, kept fighting, and tried to find a solution in this match. I’m really happy to get through this difficult match.”

After letting the opening set slip, Sabalenka gradually imposed her trademark power, raising her level at key moments while maintaining her commitment to controlled aggression.

“I think in the third set I got a little bit lucky on a couple of shots and I broke her early,” she said. “Then I felt like I put so much pressure on her so she felt like she couldn’t handle it. I’m happy that I really stuck to aggressive tennis, I was going for my shots, I really trusted my shots, and happy to get the win, of course.”

Baptiste next and Brazilian crowd support

The world number one also reflected on her development across all surfaces, highlighting her growing enjoyment of adapting her game depending on conditions.

“At this point of my career, I really enjoy each surface,” Sabalenka explained. “I like this feeling of adjusting, finding solutions, bringing different tennis maybe at some point. I really enjoy the tricky things on clay, but I like this aggressive tennis on hard courts. I like probably serve-and-volley on grass, so I really enjoy the process.”

Madrid continues to be a venue where Sabalenka thrives, and she once again drew energy from the crowd, singling out a particularly vocal section of supporters.

“Every time I’m out there, I feel more and more support,” she said. “My Brazilian supporters were incredible today. They really raised their volume at the right moments, and I feel like they maybe annoyed her and they really helped me. I think in the third set, that was one of the keys.”

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Aryna Sabalenka wins the Laureus Sportswoman of the Year Award trophy 2026

Awaiting her in the quarter-finals is Hailey Baptiste, who pushed Sabalenka in a recent meeting in Miami. The Belarusian is expecting another stern test. “She played a really great match there in Miami, we had a really tight battle,” Sabalenka said. “I think overall these conditions really suit her game. Once again, serving great, playing really aggressive shots. It’s not going to be easy, but I’m really ready for the fight.”

With her power game clicking into place and confidence building after another comeback win, Sabalenka heads into the latter stages of the Madrid Open looking every bit a contender for the title.

Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief

Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.

Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.

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