Aryna Sabalenka`s wait to compete in the 2025 Porsche Tennis Grand Prix is finally over, and she marked her debut with a victory.
After progressing to the quarterfinals without playing a single match, World No. 1 Sabalenka defeated her former doubles partner, Elise Mertens, with a score of 6-4, 6-1 in their quarterfinal match on Saturday night in Stuttgart.
“Finally, I played my match,” Sabalenka commented after her win. “It`s a first for me to play my first match on Saturday… I`m pleased with the variety in my game that I demonstrated on the court today. I believe it was a very solid performance.”
Sabalenka`s opponent in the semifinal will be No. 5 seed Jasmine Paolini. Paolini eliminated No. 4 seed Coco Gauff with a 6-4, 6-3 victory in Saturday’s evening quarterfinal. Sabalenka currently holds a 4-2 lead in her head-to-head record against Paolini.
Patience Pays Off for Sabalenka: Following a first-round bye, Sabalenka received a walkover in the second round due to Anastasia Potapova`s withdrawal from their match due to injury. As a result, Saturday evening`s quarterfinal was her first match this week.
World No. 29 Mertens certainly challenged Sabalenka`s form in the opening set. The Belgian was just one point away from taking a 5-4 lead and serving for the first set.
However, Sabalenka managed to hold serve and then take a 5-4 lead herself. From that point onward, the top seed was virtually unstoppable, starting with a service break to secure the first set.
In total, Sabalenka broke Mertens` serve in three of her final four service games. The World No. 1 also excelled on her own serve, winning her last two service games to love.
“I had a week to practice on these courts, so I felt quite comfortable,” Sabalenka mentioned. “Also, having played here numerous times, I`m familiar with the courts and feel very good on this surface. I think it was just about playing my first match on clay, getting accustomed to the game, and avoiding rushing things.”
Sabalenka`s record against Mertens in singles now stands at 9-2. They have also achieved significant success as a doubles team, winning titles at the 2019 US Open and the 2021 Australian Open.
Sabalenka will be aiming for her fourth Stuttgart final appearance in the last five years. She was the runner-up in 2021, 2022, and 2023 but is still seeking her first title here.
Paolini Secures First Victory Over Gauff: In the final quarterfinal of the day, Italy’s Jasmine Paolini needed 1 hour and 28 minutes to achieve her first career win against American Coco Gauff, in their third encounter.
The match began favorably for Gauff, who secured an immediate break in the opening game with her powerful returns. However, as the match progressed, Paolini effectively utilized the court`s width, breaking back to level the score at 4-4.
Serving at 4-5 down, Gauff had a game that contrasted sharply with her first. She committed two consecutive double faults, giving Paolini triple set point, and ultimately lost her serve at love after a backhand error.
Paolini’s strong performance was evident throughout Saturday’s match. She hit 20 winners, eight more than Gauff, and was nearly perfect at the net, securing her first Top 10 victory of the year.
“I believe I played aggressively and maintained consistency, avoiding many errors,” Paolini stated afterwards. “I think I played an excellent match overall.”
“Stepping onto the court and hitting the ball with power is what I enjoy most about playing tennis. I like to hit the ball hard, and that brings me joy.”
