In the second women’s semifinal at the Mutua Madrid Open, Aryna Sabalenka faces Elina Svitolina in a high-stakes clash that will determine who challenges an in-form Coco Gauff for the title. With Gauff demolishing Iga Swiatek 6-1, 6-1 in the first semifinal, the bar has been set high. Both Sabalenka and Svitolina will need to summon their very best to match the American’s momentum.
Sabalenka Survives, But Stays Strong
Sabalenka, the current world No. 1, had to dig exceptionally deep in her quarterfinal against Marta Kostyuk. In a match that stretched beyond two and a half hours and ended close to midnight, Sabalenka saved four set points and 13 of 16 break points to scrape through 7-6, 7-6.
It was arguably her grittiest performance of the tournament — tougher even than her earlier comeback against Elise Mertens — yet it showcased the Belarusian’s ability to fight under pressure. Earlier wins over Anna Blinkova and Peyton Stearns were routine, underlining her versatility.
Madrid: A Special Stage for Sabalenka
Madrid has been a successful battleground for Sabalenka. She has reached the final in three of the last four years, winning the title in 2021 and 2023 and finishing runner-up to Swiatek last year. This season, she boasts a 29-5 record, including five title or runner-up finishes across Brisbane, Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, and Stuttgart — an impressive run of consistency on all surfaces.
Svitolina’s Surprise Surge
Svitolina, meanwhile, is on a dream run of her own. The Ukrainian had never gone past the second round in nine previous attempts in Madrid, but has rewritten her narrative in 2025. Her route to the semifinal has been flawless, with four straight-set victories, including a statement win over 10th seed Elena Rybakina.
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Her 11-match unbeaten streak on clay includes a title in Rouen and two crucial wins in the Billie Jean King Cup. Since returning from maternity leave in 2023, Svitolina has reached three finals, but this is her first semifinal above WTA 250 level in nearly six years.
The Rivalry: Edge with Sabalenka, But the Stakes Are New
Sabalenka leads their head-to-head 4-1, having won both 2024 encounters — an epic in Rome and a more comfortable outing in Cincinnati. But given Svitolina’s current momentum and composure on clay, the Belarusian cannot afford to rely on past results.
With the Madrid title and valuable momentum heading into Roland-Garros on the line, this semifinal is more than just a match — it’s a test of resolve. Sabalenka’s explosive power will clash with Svitolina’s calculated consistency, and the winner will step into a title showdown against a supremely confident Coco Gauff.
Who will rise to the occasion and seize the opportunity? Madrid is watching.