Press releases

23 Apr 2026

Sabalenka begins quest for fourth Madrid crown

Aryna Sabalenka. Photo courtesy of the NOC of Belarus

MINSK, 23 April (BelTA) – Belarusian tennis player Aryna Sabalenka will play her opening match at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open with a prize fund of $8.2 million, BelTA has learned.

In the second-round match on 23 April, the world number one will face U.S. Peyton Stearns (world No. 43). In the round of 64, the American defeated French Lois Boisson (No. 46) 6-1, 6-3. In their two previous encounters, Sabalenka has beaten Stearns twice. In 2025, in the round of 16 of the Madrid Open, the Belarusian won against the American in straight sets – 6-2, 6-4.

Aryna Sabalenka is a three-time champion of the Mutua Madrid Open (2021, 2023, 2025). In 2025 final, she defeated Coco Gauff of the USA. The 2026 clay tournament in the Spanish capital will conclude on 3 May.