Roland Garros: Aryna Sabalenka Continues Title Defense in Madrid

Sabalenka Defeats Rybakina in Semifinal Comeback

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka produced a brilliant comeback from a set and a break down to beat Elena Rybakina and reach the final of the Mutua Madrid Open.

The Belarusian rallied from 4-6, 1-2 down to win 7-6 (4), 6-4 in a match that lasted over two and a half hours.

Sabalenka will now face Iga Swiatek in the final, a rematch of last year's final which the Pole won.

Sabalenka Hails Rybakina's Consistency

Speaking to the press after her victory, Sabalenka praised Rybakina's consistency.

"Elena is a very tough opponent," she said. "She's very consistent and makes very few mistakes. I had to be very patient and wait for my chances."

Sabalenka also credited her own fighting spirit for helping her to win the match.

"I'm proud of the way I fought today," she said. "I never gave up and I always believed I could win."