Mirra ANDREEVA outmatched by Aryna SABALENKA’s brilliance in Madrid Open quarterfinals
WTAWednesday, 01 May 2024 at 21:25
Aryna Sabalenka (No. 2) defeated Mirra Andreeeva (No. 43) 6-1, 6-4 to advance to the semifinals of the Madrid Open. The defending champion dominated the match from start to finish, and despite the resistance from the young Russian, she ultimately secured the victory, putting her in her third Madrid Open semifinal.
The 17-year-old teenager had been having a brilliant tournament, eliminating notable players such as seeded Linda Noskova (30th), Marketa Vondrousova (7th), and Jasmine Paolini (12th). On Sabalenka's side, she had been showing an upward trend in Madrid and displayed her best tennis against Danielle Collins, ending her streak of 15 consecutive victories.
The first set began with both players defending their service games well, but it took Sabalenka only a few minutes to adjust her shots with the return, causing problems for Andreeva. The Belarusian won 69% of points on serve and 55% on return, leading to a streak of five consecutive games won to comfortably take the set 6-1.
Sabalenka imposed differences with the power of her shots; Andreeva barely won 31% of points on return and struggled to put the ball in play with both the first and second serves of Sabalenka.
In the second set, Andreeva showed her character, improving her points won on serve, winning 63% of first service and 47% of second service. The young Russian kept the set level for several games without any break points played from either side, but the former world No. 1 capitalized on her first opportunity to take a break and then move ahead 4-2 with her service.
Sabalenka has a record 16-3 in Madrid Open and won the title in 2021 and 2023
Despite the pressure, Andreeva held her next service games, and even saved a couple of match points with the score 3-5. However, it wasn't enough to stage a comeback, and she didn't manage to trouble Sabalenka much when serving. The 2-times Grand Slam champion struggled to find her first serve (55%), but maintained her great effectiveness, winning 80% of service points, which was crucial to advance to the Madrid Open semifinals by 6-1, 6-4.
For a spot in the final, she will face Elena Rybakina (No. 4), who overcame Kazakh Yulia Putintseva (No. 50) 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-5 in nearly three hours of play. So far, Sabalenka leads the head-to-head with Rybakina 5-3, although they have never faced each other on clay.
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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- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
- This article is SPOT ON!!!Rapunzel04-09-2026
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mandoist04-09-2026 - Double Standards for the male players? Gross. BTW: This "apology" reads like the one his lawyers wrote for him when he had to go to the Kangaroo Court for slapping his girlfriend around.mandoist04-09-2026
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- In her defense... she has no "defense" and likely could not articulate it if she did.mandoist03-09-2026
- Someone is not enjoying her gradual slide down the rankings, which became noticeable last season. BTW: That reporter's on to something familiar -- the effects of Social Media Stardom on one's Second Priority (Tennis). Shades of Bouchard, Giorgi, Raducanu, etc.mandoist03-09-2026
- Sabalenka seems so unhappy. When you get angry after every mistake you make on court, you’ve got some issues sweetie! She also does seem to be “partying” a lot if you follow her social media (I don’t lolol). Very immature personality.DaveyWavey03-09-2026
- The main difference for bigger names like Alcaraz, Sinner, Zverez, etc. is that they usually make it to the later stages of tournaments while 99% of the other players win a round or two and then move on to the next tournament. The bigger names are playing more, playing longer and therefore more injury issues. The money is great but it all comes with a price!DaveyWavey03-09-2026
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