Sabalenka survives osaka scare in madrid thriller

Aryna Sabalenka's 15-match winning streak nearly hit a snag at the Mutua Madrid Open, as she edged Naomi Osaka 6-7, 6-3, 6-2 in a sizzling encounter.

Belarusian's battle reflects her relentless rise

Since her Australian Open final loss to Elena Rybakina, Sabalenka has been on a tear, claiming WTA 1000 titles in Indian Wells and Miami en route to the Madrid quarterfinals, where she'll face Hailey Baptiste.

Osaka, meanwhile, has struggled to recapture her former glory since health issues and pregnancy. The 28-year-old still flashes moments of her former self, but her game has not quite returned to its peak level.

Sabalenka sensed Osaka's fleeting brilliance and refused to panic, aware that the heat would play to her strengths. As she moves on to Baptiste, the Belarusian's unyielding determination looks set to carry her further.