MADRID — In a stunning upset, American Hailey Baptiste clinched the most significant victory of her career by fighting off six match points against world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open on Tuesday.
Ranked 32nd, Baptiste turned the tide to secure a 2-6, 6-2, 7-6 (6) win — marking her inaugural triumph over a top 5 player. This match propels her into a WTA 1000 semifinal for the very first time.
This remarkable feat also halted Sabalenka’s impressive 15-match winning streak, as she sought to defend her title in Madrid.
At just 24 years old, Baptiste has become the first athlete to overcome Sabalenka from match points down since Iga Swiatek achieved this in the 2024 Madrid final.
“It was an intense match. She played exceptionally well,” Sabalenka remarked. “I had some opportunities in the final set, but perhaps I was a bit rushed. It’s alright; sometimes you learn more from the tough moments and can move forward.”
Baptiste is set to clash with No. 8 Mirra Andreeva, who also made headlines by reaching her first Madrid semifinal with a decisive straight-set victory over Leylah Fernandez.
