Aryna Sabalenka overcame a tough encounter with Marta Kostyuk to advance to the quarterfinals of the Rome Open, with a 6-1, 7-6(8) victory. The Belarusian had already defeated Kostyuk two weeks ago in the quarterfinals of the Madrid Open in two tight tie-breaks.
This time, the world No. 1 showed her superiority from the beginning, and despite slower conditions than in Madrid, she was able to gain an early advantage against the Ukrainian. Sabalenka makes her 28th appearance in the quarterfinals of a WTA 1000 event and accumulates 15 consecutive wins in tournaments of this category this year.
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First Set
The world No. 1 quickly took control of the match, saving a couple of break point opportunities and then fighting to secure the first break on her 5th chance in the second game. In a few minutes, Sabalenka was already leading 3-0 on her serve, although Kostyuk was already showing some good aspects in her game.
Kostyuk's momentum was not enough to come back in the set, and the pressure on her ended up costing her a second break at 1-4, which proved crucial for the Belarusian to take the set 6-1 in just 31 minutes. The 3-time Grand Slam champion was almost impeccable on serve, with 75% first serve percentage, winning 63% of those points, while the Ukrainian barely reached 50% first serve, winning 55% of them.
Second Set
The best moments of tennis came in the second set, after Kostyuk started strongly on her serve in the early games. Sabalenka struggled on her end against good return games from Kostyuk, who had as many as five chances in her opponent's first two service games, both lengthy affairs.
While Kostyuk led 3-2, opportunities continued to come her way. Double faults appeared for Sabalenka, who had to save a total of 8 break points to stay level at 3-3. After a long 22-point service game from Kostyuk, the Ukrainian ended up saving a break point against her and then broke on the return to move ahead 5-3.
Everything seemed set for Kostyuk, who had the chance to serve for the set. However, Sabalenka reacted by winning three consecutive games – including two breaks along the way – and had the chance to close out the match on her serve. Nevertheless, the Ukrainian broke back again and managed to send it to a tie-break. In a tight decider, the world No. 1 prevailed on her third match point to once again survive a resilient Kostyuk, defeating her 6-1, 7-6(8).
Sabalenka reaches 22 wins in her last 24 matches and remains in the running for her third consecutive WTA 1000 title. The world No. 1 will meet Paris 2024 gold medalist Zheng Qinwen in the quarterfinals, against whom she has a remarkably favorable 6-0 record.
Match Statistics Sabalenka vs. Kostyuk
| Sabalenka | VS | Kostyuk |
|---|---|---|
| Service | ||
| 4 | Aces | 2 |
| 2 | Double Faults | 5 |
| 56% (49/88) | 1st Service Percentage | 59% (48/81) |
| 76% (37/49) | 1st Service Points Won | 65% (31/48) |
| 43% (16/37) | 2nd Service Points Won | 36% (12/33) |
| 86% (12/14) | Break Points Saved | 60% (6/10) |
| 80% (8/10) | Service Games | 56% (5/9) |
| Return | ||
| 35% (17/48) | 1st Return Points Won | 24% (12/49) |
| 64% (21/33) | 2nd Return Points Won | 57% (21/37) |
| - | Break Points Saved | - |
| Other | ||
| 2h 02m | Match Duration | 2h 02m |
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I, like writer of this wonderful article, also picked Noskova to win this entire thing. I would love it if she and Andreeva are in the final.Rapunzel12-11-2026
- "Priorities", Saba... spend less time in front of cameras, anti-Social Media, selfies and back to Tennis.
mandoist12-11-2026 - Tell this to Andreeva!mandoist12-11-2026
- Andreeva with 11 games in a row to add to Saba's downward spiral issue !!! Personal feelings aside... Jess Pegula may want to reassess her evaluation of Mirra's abilities.mandoist12-11-2026
- I predicted whenthe list was finalised that Linda Noskova would win the WTA Finals and her matches against Gauff and Kostyuk prove that. She is the best (underrated) player in the world!Rapunzel11-11-2026
- Either Lena has a chronic internal ailment (i.e., colitis, enteritis, Crohn's, or some type of lower abdomen issue) -- or she is once again dealing with 'Vukovitis'. Mental stress can indeed cause lower body pains. No matter... whatever is truly going on sucks. "Virus" excuse is getting a bit old -- and often -- at this point.mandoist09-11-2026
- Ironically, Martina became a U.S. Citizen about the same time as the Orange Convicted Felon & Abuser was just beginning on his road to losing all Daddy's Millions!!mandoist09-11-2026
- "Another fresh start is in the cards." Thanks for the Humor!! I'm guessing this is the minimum one can do to keep all your sponsors hanging-on in perpetuity?mandoist09-11-2026
- Vukov is doing this to Lena... AGAIN!!!!! WTA's autonomous collective should be dismantled for allowing Vukov to re-emerge from his hand-slapping suspension. Just ask WTA employees how that's been going lately as they witness his continued verbal abuses. Women's Pro Tennis should start over.mandoist08-11-2026
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??mandoist08-11-2026
