Aryna Sabalenka is not thrilled with the Mutua Madrid Open’s latest promotional push at the Bernabéu. While the massive soccer stadium was transformed into a temporary clay court to host a star-studded exhibition, the world No. 1 expressed her frustration over the timing and conditions. Determined to defend her title, Sabalenka made it clear that mid-tournament events on a different type of clay court are unnecessary.
Aryna Sabalenka Admits Bernabéu Training Disrupts Madrid Open Prep
The Mutua Madrid Open recently pulled off a massive logistical feat by installing a temporary clay practice court right in the center of Real Madrid’s iconic stadium. The unique venue was inaugurated in grand style with a viral, friendly tennis rally, featuring Rafael Nadal, Jannik Sinner, and Iga Świątek, who took to the court to trade shots against Real Madrid players Thibaut Courtois and Jude Bellingham, with president Florentino Pérez serving as chair umpire. It also featured a cute moment when Nadal’s three-year-old son, Rafael Jr., attempted a few shots on clay and high-fived Świątek.
Meanwhile, Sabalenka was spotted mingling with Courtois and his wife alongside her fiancé, Georgios Frangulis. She was also spotted courtside at the Caja Mágica, supporting her close friend, Paula Badosa, alongside Frangulis. While the tennis-soccer crossover generated plenty of hype on social media, Sabalenka decided she would not be utilizing the Bernabéu court for her actual training sessions.
Playing tennis inside one of the world’s most famous soccer stadiums might be a fun idea, but Sabalenka believes the timing could not be worse. She did not hold back when asked about the collaboration, pointing out that scheduling these events during the tournament messes up her preparation. The world No. 1 also raised concerns about the stadium setup. The massive, covered stadium completely changes the playing conditions.
In the presser after defeating the United States’ Peyton Stearns 7-5, 6-3, she said: “I was a little confused. I’d like them to do it before the tournament, but now I feel like the surface will be a bit different from the Caja Mágica. Also, it’s a huge stadium, so everything is covered. I’d like to focus on the tennis and not on those things. Besides, I’d prefer they do it before or after the tournament, if they’re going to keep the sport there. It’s a unique experience.”
Meanwhile, Sinner and Świątek were thrilled to be at the Bernabéu. “It’s my first time here… I really wanted to see it with my own eyes,” said the Italian. While Sinner participated in the friendly doubles, the Pole played a few rallies against the Real Madrid goalkeeper before showcasing her soccer skills. Both were awarded custom-made Real Madrid jerseys by president Pérez. On Thursday, Świątek claimed a 6-1, 6-2 win over Daria Snigur in the second round of the Madrid Open. Sinner is set to begin his run on Friday against Benjamin Bonzi.
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In the opening second-round match, Sabalenka faced a very tough battle against Stearns. Despite struggling early on and going down a break in both sets, Sabalenka fought her way back to secure a victory at the Caja Mágica.
Admitting that her tennis wasn’t perfect, Sabalenka was just relieved to get the win. Now, she is turning her full attention to training exclusively at the tournament facilities. Next up, she will face Jaqueline Cristian in the Round of 32 on Saturday.
