8legs: Hailey baptiste

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3h ago

American Hailey Baptiste Upsets No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Madrid Open Ahead of Roland-Garros

Baptiste stunned world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in Madrid, rallying from a set down to win 2-6, 6-2, 7-6(6) in a dramatic quarterfinal.
Baptiste saved six match points, handing Sabalenka her first defeat after holding such a lead since last year’s edition.
The win snapped Sabalenka’s 15-match win streak and showcased Baptiste’s nerve in high-stakes moments.
Baptiste advanced to her first WTA 1000 semifinal, signaling a rapid rise on big stages.
Her mix of slice backhand and attacking forehand unsettled Sabalenka, keeping Baptiste competitive throughout the match.
Sabalenka entered the match with a dominant 2026 record, making Baptiste’s victory particularly notable.
Baptiste’s coaching support, including Franklin Tiafoe’s brother in the box, underscored the team effort behind the upset.
Baptiste acknowledged nerves but emphasized belief and persistence as keys to the comeback.
Baptiste outlined a game plan that emerged in the moment, including serve-and-volley and drop shots to pressure Sabalenka.
Sabalenka took a late comeback attempt in the third set, briefly leveling at 4-4 before Baptiste regained control to seal the match in a tiebreak.

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