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Aryna Sabalenka hails the fans as she snaps Danielle Collins’ 15-match streak at Madrid Open

Originally posted on FirstSportz | By Ritesh Pathak | Last updated 4/30/24

Belarusian tennis star and World No. 2 Aryna Sabalenka sounded enthusiastic as she thanked the crowd at the stadium for their unwavering support as she beat Danielle Collins in the fourth round of the Madrid Open. Sabalenka snapped the American’s 15-match streak as she beat her for a fifth consecutive time in their head-to-head battle.

The World No. 2 fought her way back into the game despite losing the first set 4-6. Sabalenka eventually won the match 4-6, 6-4, 6-3 and despite the match stretching past midnight, fans stayed at the stadium to watch and cheer for the players.

Aryna Sabalenka looked impressed with this support as she hailed the Madrid crowd as one of the best. The Belarusian said that this is the reason she loves to play in this tournament. Sabalenka also hailed Collins for playing unbelievable tennis.

It was a tough battle. She played unbelievable tennis. Thank you guys for staying and supporting us. That’s why I really love Madrid. You guys are unbelievable. You make this tournament special. Thank you so much for all the support and an incredible atmosphere. Aryna Sabalenka said after her win over Danielle Collins.

Aryna Sabalenka after beating Danielle Collins in Madrid:

“It was a tough battle. She played unbelievable tennis. Thank you guys for staying and supporting us. That’s why I really love Madrid. You guys are unbelievable. You make this tournament special. Thank you so much for all… pic.twitter.com/4mZoOvc2xp
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 29, 2024

Aryna Sabalenka inching closer to defending her crown in Madrid

With this win over, Danielle Collins, Aryna Sabalenka entered the quarterfinal at the WTA 1000 event. She is now three wins away from successfully defending her crown at the clay-court tournament. The 25-year-old will be up against a young rising tennis star from her neighboring country in the quarterfinal.

Sabalenka will take on Mirra Andreeva for a spot in the semifinal. The two players have faced each other only once so far on the tour and it came in the same tournament last year when Sabalenka beat Andreeva in straight sets in the pre-quarterfinal.

Both players are coming on the back of a similar form, winning four of their last five matches. While Andreeva lost to Anhelina Kalinina in the Rouen Open quarter-final, Sabalenka was defeated by Marketa Vondrousova in the Stuttgart Open quarter-final. It is to be seen who reigns supreme here in Madrid.

Sabalenka, being the defending champion and for her experience will surely walk in as a favorite. However, Andreeva has been on the rise lately. Also, she recently pulled off her second Top 10 win of her career as the 17-year-old beat Vondrousova in the third round.

This article first appeared on FirstSportz and was syndicated with permission.

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