Sabalenka Survives Montgomery Test, Gets Collins Monday At Madrid Masters; Gauff v Keys

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka had to work overtime Sunday to stay alive at the Madrid Masters, edging American teen Robin Montgomery 6-1, 6-7(5-7), 6-4 to reach the last 16.

Sabalenka, twice a Madrid champion, had to break the 19-year-old to win the match in the third.

Fourth-seeded Elena Rybakina topped Mayar Sherif in straights 6-1, 6-4. Rybakina has won 11 of her last 12 matches and on clay she’s won her last 14.

On streaks, Danielle Collins upped hers to 15 straight after rallying past Romanian qualifier Jaqueline Cristian 3-6, 6-4, 6-1.

“I’ve been doing so well the last couple of weeks, I think the girls know that when they come out and play me, they gotta go for it,” Collins told the WTA. “That certainly was taking place the last two matches, some big shots that I’ve had to counter, and be able to react quickly.

“Ultimately, I had to serve and return very well in both of those matches to be able to try to get it done. It’s to be expected when you’ve had this many wins, that people are going to up their game. They have to, so I’m ready for it, as much as I can be.”

Also, Yulia Putintseva routed Caroline Dolehide 6-2, 6-2.Sara Bejlek steamrolled Ashlyn Krueger of the United States in straight sets 6-3, 6-1 in an all-teen battle. And 17-year-old Mirra Andreeva of Russia upset ousted No. 7 Marketa Vondrousova 7-5, 6-1.

Tomorrow’s line-up features fourth round play highlighted by No. 1 Iga Swiatek tests Spaniard Sara Sorribes Tormo. The Madrid tournament favorite Swiatek is ahead 3-0 in their tour-level meetings.

Sabalenka tests Collins in a big showdown. Sabalenka is a perfect 4-0 against Collins in their tour-level contests. Sabalenka won their last clash in the R16 at 2022 US Open.

No. 3 Coco Gauff also will challenge No. 18 Madison Keys. The two have split four tour-level meetings. Keys won their most recent contest in the semifinals at 2023 Eastbourne.

Rybakina draws Bejlek, No. 5 Maria Sakkari collides with No. 11 Beatriz Haddad Maia, No. 8 Ons Jabeur battles No. 9 Jelena Ostapenko, No. 10 Daria Kasatkina draws Putintseva and also No. 12 Jasmine Paolini Andreeva.

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