Press releases

Sabalenka opens Madrid title defense with win over Stearns

Aryna Sabalenka. Photo courtesy of the NOC

MINSK, 23 April (BelTA) - Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus won her opener at the 2026 Mutua Madrid Open with a prize fund of $8.2 million, BelTA has learned.

On 23 April, in the round of 32, Aryna Sabalenka defeated American Peyton Stearns, ranked 43rd in the WTA rankings, 7-5, 6-3. The match lasted 1 hour and 35 minutes. In the next round, the Belarusian will face Romania’s world number 33 Jaqueline Cristian.

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

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