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World No. 1 Sabalenka Defeats Osaka 6-3, 6-2 in Madrid

4/28/2026

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Summary

Sabalenka Defeats Osaka

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-2 in the Madrid Open fourth round.
Sabalenka saved four of 14 break points and Osaka saved one while hitting five double faults.
The two-hour-20-minute match ended with Sabalenka calling Osaka’s maternity-leave comeback an inspiration.
Osaka, ranked inside the Top 20, remains 0-6 against Top 10 clay players and earned 17 ranking points for the runner-up finish.

Summary

Osaka Balances Motherhood

Naomi Osaka traveled to Madrid with daughter Shai, balancing pick-ups and practice while competing.
Aryna Sabalenka praised Osaka’s post-pregnancy return, saying it gives hope to players who want a baby and still compete.
The Madrid Open, where Sabalenka entered as defending champion and extended her season unbeaten run to 14 matches, offers €8,235,540 in prize money and is broadcast on the Tennis Channel USA, Sky Sports UK and TSN Canada.

Summary

Gauff Vomits

A stomach virus and suspected food poisoning at the Madrid Open sidelined Coco Gauff and Marin Cilic.
Gauff vomited on court during her third-round win over Sorana Cirstea, confirming the illness, while Cilic withdrew after reporting similar symptoms.
Players blamed the venue’s shrimp tacos for the outbreak.
Aryna Sabalenka said she avoids illness by eating only chicken breast, rice and salad, skipping the tacos, and taking extra vitamin C and IM8.

Summary

Sabalenka Sparks Interview

Sabalenka’s tiger tattoo sparked an awkward interview as she declined to name the shot she relies on most, citing her fight spirit.
She credited Brazilian fans’ vocal support for giving her an extra boost.
She noted a 26-4 Madrid record as she nears her 400th career win.
She attributed recent fitness gains to being able to raise intensity after a slow start.

History

Historical Context

In 2009, wildcard Kim Clijsters returned from retirement to win the US Open, becoming the first mother to capture a Grand Slam since Evonne Goolagong Cawley’s 1980 victory. Her win highlighted the growing discussion of parental-leave policies on the WTA Tour. In 2024, Naomi Osaka’s Madrid appearance with daughter Shai echoed that legacy, pressing organizers to expand support for player-parents.

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Sabalenka Defeats Osaka

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka defeated Naomi Osaka 6-3, 6-2 in the Madrid Open fourth round.
Sabalenka saved four of 14 break points and Osaka saved one while hitting five double faults.
The two-hour-20-minute match ended with Sabalenka calling Osaka’s maternity-leave comeback an inspiration.
Osaka, ranked inside the Top 20, remains 0-6 against Top 10 clay players and earned 17 ranking points for the runner-up finish.

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