Hailey Baptiste delivers tactic to stun World No.1 Aryna Sabalenka: "I definitely wanted to make her feel uncomfortable in any way that I could"
WTATuesday, 28 April 2026 at 23:30
Hailey Baptiste produced the biggest win of her career at the Madrid Open, coming from a set down to defeat world No.1 Aryna Sabalenka 2–6, 6–2, 7–6 in a dramatic and emotionally charged quarter-final. The American’s fearless shot-making, tactical variety, and composure under pressure carried her through a match defined by momentum swings and high-intensity rallies.
She will now face Mirra Andreeva in the semi-finals of the Madrid Open, marking a breakthrough moment on one of the biggest stages in tennis.
“I wanted to make her feel uncomfortable”
Speaking on Tennis Channel immediately after the match, Baptiste explained the tactical approach that underpinned her victory over the top seed. “Going in, I definitely wanted to make her feel uncomfortable in any way that I could,” she said. “Trying to hit drop shots, short slice, heavier balls. I just didn’t want to give her rhythm because that’s what she loves, and that’s what she’s so good at.”
The plan was simple but high-risk: disrupt Sabalenka’s timing and prevent her from dictating with her usual power game.
“In the beginning it was a little difficult for me to find the ball and get comfortable,” Baptiste admitted. “But once I did, I was able to execute the game plan really well. And she just was unhappy.”
Composure in chaos
The match swung repeatedly, including a tense third set where Baptiste recovered from losing a break and saved multiple match points.
Even in those defining moments, she said her focus remained on forcing Sabalenka to play every point. “When I was down those match points, I just wanted to make sure that I made her play them. I didn’t want to give her anything free,” she said.
One of her boldest tactical decisions came under maximum pressure: serve-and-volleying on key points.
“I serve and volleyed on a couple of those. That was very uncomfortable to play against, especially in a big moment where you’re trying to close out a match. I don’t want anybody really serving and volleying against me.”
Staying loose under pressure
At times, Baptiste was seen smiling during the match despite the tension, something she explained was less strategy and more disbelief at the chaos unfolding. “No, I just couldn’t believe some of the things that were happening on the court,” she said. “It was just laughable. Some of the bounces at certain points, I was just like, wow. All you can do is laugh.”
She added: “Getting mad wasn’t going to help me much.”
The shot that defined it
One of the standout moments came at 5–all in the deciding set, when Baptiste unleashed a forehand winner from outside the alley, ripping it down the line in a crucial deuce point.
Her explanation was simple and instinctive. “I just saw the opening and the ball was on my racket. So I went for it. I’m going to win and lose by my racket.”
Built for moments like this
Beyond tactics and execution, Baptiste credited her preparation and mental training for her ability to close out the match. “I’ve visualised myself in these moments,” she said. “I’ve been close to these moments and I’ve been able to kind of smell it.”
She added that years of struggle had shaped her resilience. “I’ve put in a ton of work and I’ve been in the gutter and had to climb out of it a thousand times. So yeah, I feel like I’ve earned this.”
I've earned this says Baptiste
Semi-final showdown with Mirra Andreeva
The victory sends Baptiste into her first Madrid Open semi-final, where she will face Mirra Andreeva in what promises to be another high-intensity clash between two of the tour’s most exciting emerging players.
For Baptiste, it is a moment she is still processing.
“I don’t know… I can’t get the words out. I feel very good,” she said. “It’s a very special moment for me.”
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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