Kostyuk loses to Sabalenka in controversial match, falls one step short of Madrid semifinal — video

In the quarterfinals, the Ukrainian faced a “neutral” tennis player holding a Belarusian passport, Aryna Sabalenka (WTA No. 1).

The match ended with Sabalenka’s victory in two sets — 6-7(4), 6-7(7).

A controversial episode occurred during the second set tiebreak. Sabalenka was trailing 4–5 and missed her first serve. Then, she deliberately stopped the match, citing heavy rain.

Following the pause, she was allowed to serve her first serve again — ultimately winning the set and the match.

WTA 1000 — Madrid, Spain (clay)
Quarterfinal
Marta Kostyuk (Ukraine) — Aryna Sabalenka — 6-7(4), 6-7(7)

The match lasted 2 hours and 33 minutes. During this time, Kostyuk hit two aces, committed five double faults, and converted just 3/16 break points.

This was the first time in her career that 22-year-old Ukrainian tennis star reached the quarterfinals of the Madrid tournament.

In the semifinals, Sabalenka will face another Ukrainian player Elina Svitolina, who previously defeated her Japanese opponent.