Sabalenka knocked out in Madrid as Baptiste saves SIX match points in stunning upset

Aryna Sabalenka's Madrid Open title defence came to a stunning end on Tuesday as she was defeated in a thrilling quarter-final encounter that saw opponent save an incredible six match points. The world number two, who won the tournament in 2023 and 2024, was left bewildered as Baptiste completed one of the most dramatic turnarounds in recent WTA history. The match appeared to be heading towards a comfortable victory for Sabalenka when she served for the match at 5-4 in the deciding set, only for Baptiste to launch a remarkable comeback. Baptiste saved all six match points she faced, converting on her seventh opportunity to complete a 4-6, 7-6(4), 7-6(6) victory that lasted three hours and twelve minutes. 'I just kept believing. When you're down match points, there's nothing to lose,' Baptiste said in her post-match interview. 'I tried to stay aggressive and trust my game. This is a dream come true.' Sabalenka, who had won 14 consecutive matches at the Caja Mágica, appeared devastated by the result. 'It's difficult to find words right now. I had my chances, didn't take them, and she played incredible tennis in the crucial moments,' the Belarusian stated. Baptiste's reward is a semi-final meeting with either Iga Swiatek or Jelena Ostapenko. The British player has now reached her first WTA 1000 semi-final and will break into the top 20 for the first time in her career following this victory. The upset marks another significant moment in what has been an unpredictable clay-court season, with several top players falling before the business end of major tournaments.