When three-time Madrid champion Aryna Sabalenka broke serve for 4-0 in the first set of her 6-1, 6-4 win over Romania’s Jaqueline Cristian on Saturday in Madrid it was pretty clear that the World No. 1 was in the groove. She’d be tested as the match played out, but eventually rode her hot hand into the fourth round in Madrid, taking her 2026 record to improve to 25-1 on the season and 25-4 lifetime at Madrid.
After the match Sabalenka called the one-handed backhand the shot of her life.
Sprinting to her left, she uncoiled and unleashed a pretty backhand that sailed down the line for a clean winner. A special shot from a special player, and a testament to all the hard work she does off the court to develop her skills as a shotmaker.
“Did you see that? That was crazy,” Sabalenka said.
Asked how many one-handed backhands she has hit in her life, Sabalenka said.
“Well, we actually practice, lefty and one-handed back before each practice, so I’ve hit it quite a little. But to hit it on the match and to hit it as a winner, probably that was the shot of my life.
“I’m waiting for Roger [Federer] to comment. Any tips?”
Sabalenka will face Naomi Osaka in the round of 16 on Monday in Madrid.