Aryna Sabalenka vs Jaqueline Cristian Preview & Prediction | 2026 Madrid Open | Third Round
by Alex Meechan ·
Updated
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Aryna Sabalenka faces Jaqueline Cristian in round three of the Madrid Open.
Ranking points: WTA 1000
Start date/time:
Venue: Park Manzanares, Madrid, Spain
Surface: Outdoor clay
How to watch on TV: UK – Sky Sports Tennis / USA – Tennis Channel
How to watch online: UK – Sky Go / USA – Tennis Channel
Tickets: Visit this link for the latest Aryna Sabalenka vs Jaqueline Cristian ticket information
Aryna Sabalenka vs Jaqueline Cristian prediction
Aryna Sabalenka began the defence of her Madrid Open title with a straight sets win over Peyton Stearns. The world number one was not at her best and went an early break down in both sets, but she would go on to win 7-5 6-3. This was Sabalenka’s first match on clay this season, and she extended her winning run to 13 matches.
She now faces Jaqueline Cristian. The Romanian staged a magnificent recovery to beat Yuliia Starodubtseva in the previous round. Starodubtseva served for the match and had three match points, but Cristian saved them all and broke in the fifth game of the third set to win 3-6 7-6 (5) 6-4.
These two played each other for the first time at Indian Wells this year, with Sabalenka winning 6-4 6-1. Sabalenka is now accustomed to the clay after her first match, and she will be hoping for a more convincing performance in the next round.
Aryna Sabalenka vs Jaqueline Cristian tip: Under 18.5 games
