Two-time Mutua Madrid Open champion Aryna Sabalenka overcame a shaky start to her 2024 campaign, defeating Magda Linette 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 in a hard-fought opening match.
Sabalenka, the No. 2 seed, faced a determined Linette, who had previously shocked Ons Jabeur at Roland Garros. The Belarusian star struggled with her serve and rhythm in the second set, allowing Linette to level the match.
However, Sabalenka’s resilience shone through in the third set. Despite facing break points, she held her serve and broke Linette’s in the seventh game. The defending champion then served out the match with authority, booking a third-round encounter against either Katie Boulter or Robin Montgomery.
Sabalenka’s victory in Madrid marks her first clay-court win of the season. The 25-year-old has endured a challenging spring, including the loss of her ex-partner and early exits from other tournaments.
Despite her struggles, Sabalenka remains a formidable force on clay. Her two Madrid Open titles and her powerful game make her a contender for the title once again.
