Italian Open 2025: Sabalenka Edges Past Kostyuk in Thrilling Battle to Reach Quarterfinals
In a compelling showdown at the 2025 Italian Open, Aryna Sabalenka showcased her trademark power and resilience to overcome a spirited challenge from Marta Kostyuk, booking her place in the quarterfinals. The clash, played on the iconic clay courts of Rome’s Foro Italico, lived up to its billing as both players brought intensity and flair to the match, making it one of the standout encounters of the tournament so far.
Sabalenka, the world No. 2 and one of the favorites for the title, had to dig deep to fend off the in-form Ukrainian. Kostyuk, known for her aggressive baseline play and ability to disrupt top seeds, was not intimidated by her higher-ranked opponent. Right from the opening game, she came out firing, pushing Sabalenka to the edges of the court and taking an early lead. The first set was a tightly contested affair, with both players exchanging breaks of serve. However, it was Sabalenka who eventually edged it, using her powerful groundstrokes and superior shot placement to seal the set 7-5.
The second set saw Kostyuk raise her level further. She dictated the pace with confident returns and forced errors from Sabalenka, who briefly lost her rhythm. Kostyuk’s determination paid off as she took the set 6-4, drawing loud cheers from the Roman crowd who appreciated the underdog’s tenacity and fighting spirit.
With the match level at one set apiece, the deciding set turned into a physical and mental battle. Sabalenka regrouped and displayed the grit that has become her hallmark in recent seasons. She began to dominate the longer rallies and improved her first-serve percentage, putting Kostyuk on the defensive. Despite Kostyuk’s relentless effort and flashes of brilliance, Sabalenka’s experience and composure in key moments proved decisive. She broke serve midway through the third set and held firm to close it out 6-3.
Speaking after the match, Sabalenka acknowledged the challenge Kostyuk posed. “Marta played some incredible tennis today. I had to fight for every point, and I’m proud of the way I stayed focused and found a way through,” she said.
With this victory, Sabalenka advances to the quarterfinals, where she will face a yet-to-be-determined opponent. As the tournament progresses, her performance against Kostyuk serves as a reminder that she is not only a power player but also a resilient competitor capable of weathering tough battles on clay.
Fans will be eager to see if Sabalenka can carry this momentum forward as she chases her first Italian Open title.