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A huge ranking gap between Aryna Sabalenka and her 32 Madrid Open opponent Camila Osorio negates any danger from the Colombian.
Sabalenka identified the need to be patient and keep Osorio on the move.
The world No. 2 was relieved to get past Osorio, who took a wild card to reach the third round of the Madrid Open for the first time.
«I am happy with the win,» Sabalenka said. “She is a great player and she fights for every point. It was a great match.
Osorio was unable to crack Sabalenka’s power play. After falling behind early, she fought back valiantly (3-1). She saved two break points to tie the opening set before breaking Sabalenka with the support of the Spanish crowd.
Sabalenka quickly found her weakness after her erratic stretch. Osorio broke for the second time to lead 5-4 and had the composure to serve out the opening set with a strong deuce game.
Already a set in the bank, Sabalenka played the first part of the second set with precision and grand style.
Osorio requested a medical stoppage to evaluate her left hip and leg after Sabalenka took a 4-1 lead. As the game resumed, Osorio broke Sabalenka to cut the deficit to 4-3. With Sabalenka serving for the match at 5-4, Osorio continued his impressive comeback, breaking number 2 again.
However, it was not to be number 115 for the world. Sabalenka made a wise decision to cut the points short, hitting a fifth and final break through Osorio’s serve to give herself a second chance to serve out the win. She was calm this time. After two hours, Sabalenka calmly scored the victory.
«This is what I expected, especially with players like her,» Sabalenka said after the win.
“She can come back, she can make a long rally, and she can get back into the game. I kept telling myself that I had to move her because she couldn’t move all day. Once I get this approach and I can finish the point.
«So I was just telling myself to keep taking my shots and don’t start panicking.»
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