"I heard someone screaming we want to see you on Saturday": Aryna Sabalenka had external motivation in Rybakina Madrid Open win
WTAFriday, 03 May 2024 at 00:44
Aryna Sabalenka is through to the final again at the 2024 Madrid Open where she will face Iga Swiatek for a second consecutive year. She sealed a 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 win in a marathon epic over Elena Rybakina.
Sabalenka watched as Rybakina served for the match before having to roar back in the end in a tie-break epic in a real tennis treat to end Thursday night at the Caja Magica. But she revealed that a fan calling out and saying they wanted to see her in the final handed her inner motivation.
“Today, honestly, if not for the people, I probably would’ve left this court losing 6-1 6-1 and be very sad. Because I felt all the support and I heard someone screaming ‘We want to see you on Saturday’ it really motivated me in that moment. I was like I have to fight. I have to try my best. If not, then not. If yes, then I’ll be the happiest person.”
Facing Swiatek again, it is a 6-3 Head to Head lead for Swiatek with the most recent meeting being at the WTA Finals. Albeit Sabalenka defeated her last year to win Madrid. So it is very much game on.
“Definitely going to be a great battle. We’re always fighting as hard as we can. It’s always incredible matches. I’m really looking forward to this final. I’m gonna do everything I can to get this win," she continued.
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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