Aryna Sabalenka has looked in complete control at the ongoing Madrid Open, cruising into the fourth round with a straight-sets win over Jaqueline Cristian. However, despite her dominance, there was one aspect that didn’t sit right with the Belarusian, prompting her to make a pointed plea to the crowd at the Caja Mágica.
Why Aryna Sabalenka Was Upset With the Madrid Open Crowd
A three-time champion in Madrid, Sabalenka is once again on course for a deep run, eyeing a fifth quarterfinal (or better) finish in eight appearances in the Spanish capital. She has looked locked in from the outset, underlining her intent with a commanding, trademark display against Cristian.
The Belarusian stormed through the opening set 6-1, asserting her dominance early on. While Jaqueline Cristian raised her level in the second set and pushed her in the initial exchanges, the match turned on a pivotal sixth game, where Sabalenka dug deep to fend off four break points that could have put her 2-4 down.
From there, she wrestled back full control and reeled off the final three games to seal the win in emphatic fashion.
The win reflected Sabalenka’s trademark standards and clearly pleased her, as she acknowledged in her post-match interview. However, she struck a contrasting note when addressing the crowd, openly expressing her disappointment at receiving less support than her opponent.
“Thank you guys. The atmosphere was incredible. But I have to say… when you guys were cheering more for her I was a bit upset. Next time, please, go for me,” she said during her on-court interview.
Aryna Sabalenka after beating Jaqueline Cristian in Madrid
“Thank you guys. The atmosphere was incredible. But I have to say… when you guys were cheering more for her I was a bit upset. Next time, please, go for me.”
😂😂😂 pic.twitter.com/Wj4Y04Cinw
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) April 25, 2026
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Sabalenka will now be focused on sharpening her game further as the tournament progresses. The four-time Grand Slam champion is set for a blockbuster fourth-round clash against fellow four-time Major winner Naomi Osaka, marking their first-ever meeting away from hard courts.
Osaka is chasing her first Madrid quarterfinal since 2019, while the upcoming clash also carries added significance in their rivalry, with the head-to-head finely poised at 1-1. Sabalenka drew level earlier this season with a straight-sets win in the fourth round of the WTA 1000 event in Indian Wells. Moreover, according to PFSN’s exclusive simulator, the world No. 1 enters this contest as the clear favorite, with an 87% probability of progressing further.
