Baptiste reveals the curious tactic she used to surprise Sabalenka

Jose Morón | 29 Apr 2026 | 00.49

"Baptiste reveals the curious tactic she used to surprise Sabalenka. Photo: Getty"

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American Hailey Baptiste has caused a major upset today at the Madrid Open, delivering a surprising victory against Aryna Sabalenka, eliminating the world number one in a tense match. Baptiste handed the Belarusian her second defeat of the year.

The young American tennis player knew how to withstand the most critical moments, saving up to six match points and displaying a mental strength that is making headlines around the world. This unexpected result in women's tennis has made a huge impact, as Sabalenka was the top favorite to win the tournament.

The match was decided by details, especially in a final tiebreak where Baptiste showcased her best form with aggressive and courageous play. Her ability to change the pace, come to the net, and hit winning shots in critical situations was decisive in this surprise on the WTA circuit. With Sabalenka's elimination today, Baptiste not only secures one of the greatest victories of her career but also emerges as the standout revelation of the tournament.

Match Approach

I played against her a few weeks ago, and it was a very close match. I only lost my serve once in each set. So, I had a clearer idea of how to play her and how I should approach the match. Initially, I wanted to make her uncomfortable in any way possible. I tried using drop shots, short slices, heavier shots... I didn't want to give her rhythm because that's something that favors her and where she excels. At the beginning, I struggled to find my feel and adapt, but once I did, I think I executed the game plan very well, and she didn't feel comfortable.

Management of Saved Match Points against Sabalenka Today

My goal was to play one more point, return one more ball, and make sure she had to earn every point. If she was going to win, she would have to work for it. I knew that she was also somewhat nervous. She made some unforced errors, which is normal. I wanted to stay very solid and ultimately ensure that she had to put effort into every point.

Game Plan

The plan sometimes pops into my mind just as I'm about to serve (smiles). It was what my intuition told me to do, so that's what I did, and it worked. It doesn't always work, but at that moment, it did, and it left me very satisfied. I think I put her in an uncomfortable position with the serve and volley, and also with a drop shot on one of the match points. It's not an easy position for the opponent, and in a way, that was the goal.

Yesterday she smashed her racket after losing six sets points, today she saved six match points

Basically, I decided to stop fighting against myself. It's a decision you simply make for yourself. I could say it's very difficult or that no one would understand how I feel, but ultimately, it all comes down to a choice: either you overcome it or you stay stuck in that feeling. And staying in that feeling hasn't gotten me anywhere.

When facing those match points, I just wanted to make sure she had to play them out, that I didn't give her anything for free. On a couple of occasions, I did serve and volley. I think that is very uncomfortable to face, especially in crucial moments when you're trying to close out a match. I wouldn't like it if someone did that to me. That was the idea. It has definitely been a very crazy match.

Up Next is Andreeva

She's another player I've already played against and lost to. I guess it's a sort of rematch. My intention is to step back onto the court, play my game again, and try to secure another victory.

This news is an automatic translation. You can read the original news, Baptiste revela la curiosa táctica que usó para sorprender a Sabalenka