Did Sabalenka Outshine Kostyuk to Secure a Quarterfinal Spot in Rome?
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Synopsis
In a thrilling encounter at the Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience to overcome Marta Kostyuk in a dramatic tiebreaker, securing her spot in the quarterfinals. With this victory, she continues her impressive journey towards a potential seventh final this season.
Key Takeaways
- Aryna Sabalenka displayed remarkable resilience in her match against Marta Kostyuk.
- She fought back from a 5-3 deficit in the second set.
- Sabalenka saved 12 break points before finally conceding one.
- She has reached six finals this season, the most since 2013.
- Her next opponent is No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen.
Rome, May 13 (NationPress) Aryna Sabalenka triumphed in a gripping tiebreak set against Marta Kostyuk, winning 6-1, 7-6(8) in a match lasting two hours and five minutes on Campo Centrale, finalizing the quarterfinals at the Italian Open.
In the first set, the World No. 1 dominated, but the second set showcased a thrilling contest. Sabalenka rallied from a 5-3 deficit to ultimately secure the match and extend her head-to-head record against Kostyuk to 4-0.
Demonstrating resilience, Sabalenka faced break points head-on, successfully defending against the first 12 before Kostyuk converted her 13th opportunity. Though Kostyuk initially led 5-3 and served for the set, Sabalenka broke back effortlessly, winning the game without dropping a single point.
The second set tiebreak was intense, with Kostyuk reaching a set point at 7-6, only for Sabalenka to counter with a powerful forehand winner. After a tense tiebreak, Sabalenka clinched the match on her third match point at 9-8 with a skillful drop shot, as reported by the WTA.
Sabalenka's next challenge is against No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen from China, where she has previously claimed victory in all six encounters, including their recent matchup in the 2024 Australian Open final and the Miami Open quarterfinals.
This season, Sabalenka has already reached six finals, a record count before Roland Garros since 2013. If she secures a seventh final in Rome, she will join legends like Chris Evert, Steffi Graf, and Monica Seles as one of the few to achieve such a milestone in the past 40 years, according to WTA statistics.
With titles from Miami and Madrid under her belt, Sabalenka has now won 15 consecutive matches at WTA 1000 events. She also makes history as the first player to reach the quarterfinals at Indian Wells, Miami, Madrid, and Rome in a single season since Carla Suarez Navarro in 2015.
Point of View
We stand by the remarkable achievements of Aryna Sabalenka. Her perseverance and skill in high-pressure situations demonstrate the essence of competitive sports, making her a player to watch in the upcoming matches.
NationPress
22/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
How did Aryna Sabalenka perform against Marta Kostyuk?
Sabalenka won in a dramatic match, defeating Kostyuk 6-1, 7-6(8) and showcasing her ability to come back from behind.
Who will Sabalenka face next in the Italian Open?
She is set to compete against No. 8 seed Zheng Qinwen of China in the quarterfinals.
What records could Sabalenka achieve this season?
If she reaches a seventh final in Rome, she will join an elite group of players who have made seven or more WTA finals before Roland Garros.
