Aryna Sabalenka reacts to first clay win of the year after beating Peyton Stearns in Madrid

Sabalenka advances to the third round in Madrid, beating Stearns 7-5, 6-3

Aryna Sabalenka began her clay-court season with a straight sets win over Peyton Stearns, 7-5, 6-3, in the second round of the Madrid Open.

The Belarusian had pulled out of the Stuttgart Open earlier this month and was playing her first match on clay since last year’s French Open.

Sabalenka didn’t look completely settled at times but still came through in straight sets to set up a third-round match against Romania’s Jacqueline Cristian. “I’m super happy to get this win,” she told Laura Robson afterwards. “She played really well and I hope I can keep building from here.”

Sabalenka was pleased to step up when it counted

“That was a super tough match, especially like the first match on clay, and it’s against [Peyton] Stearns, she’s an incredible player,” said Sabalenka.

“I feel like this court suits her game really well. I knew that she was going to go really up high, and I’m glad that the more I was staying on the court, the better I was feeling, and I’m really hoping that in the next one, I’ll bring better tennis.

“I knew that it was not going to be easy. The first match on clay, I was trying to find the perfect rhythm. I’m just glad that when it mattered, I was bringing my best tennis.”

The Belarusian also explained how Real Madrid goalkeeper Thibaut Courtois ended up in her corner for the day.

“I think last year, I was supposed to go to their match, and he messaged if I was coming or not,” she said.

“But then, I think he worked with my boyfriend, and that’s how I got to know him. I just met him for the first time before the match — such a nice guy.”

After Sabalenka finished speaking with Robson shared her thoughts on what had unfolded earlier in Madrid.

“Look we’re expecting perfection most of the time now from Sabalenka considering how many matches wins she has,” said Robson.

“But then you have to think about the fact that she has had a bit of break throughout this season. She is really picking and choosing which tournaments she wants to play.

“After Miami wanted a few weeks off coming out here playing at altitude against someone like Stearns who does throw a lot at you has the kick serve which really bounces up on this court. Felt like Sabalenka actually handled that pretty well.”

Colin Fleming says Aryna Sabalenka needed the Peyton Stearns test

Former doubles player Colin Fleming also spoke about the match on Sky Sports.

“For Sabalenka, definitely some rust, being back on the clay,” he said.

“Also, I think it is difficult for her against [Peyton] Stearns, who plays with a lot of variety, different speeds, heights and spins.

“But it may actually be the perfect workout and really play her into form.

“You can see from the team, that match had their attention; it was an awkward first match on clay. Coming through in straight sets, it wasn’t perfect but ultimately it’s a job well done.

“As I say, I think she will be a lot better for that match today finding her rhythm movement timing.”

He also credited Stearns with giving Sabalenka a challenge despite coming out on the wrong side of it. “But credit to Stearns. I enjoyed her fight and her performance today as well.”

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