How did Aryna Sabalenka advance to Stuttgart Open quarterfinals without playing a single game?

Tennis sensation Aryna Sabalenka is once again back at the Stuttgart Open 2025 and aims to win her first title here after ending up as a finalist on three occasions. The 26-year-old star's experience playing at this WTA 500 Tournament so far seems bittersweet, as she has stormed to three finals but suffered defeats in all three summit clashes.

The Belarusian suffered a defeat against Ashleigh Barty back in the 2021 finals. However, Poland star and world number two Iga Swiatek defeated her in 2022 and 2023. Sabalenka was crushed out in the quarter-finals of the Stuttgart Open 2024 against Marketa Vondrousova.

The tennis stalwart has revealed that she hopes to win the title this time after having stellar success since 2021. She admitted that she suffered three heartbreaking defeats in the finals. As a WTA top-ranked player, she will be aiming to win an elite title.

“I want to finally win the Porsche this year. I lost three finals here against No. 1s, so I was, like, ‘Okay, I have to do it. I have to come back here as the world No. 1,” said Sabalenka.

Why hasn't Aryna Sabalenka played a single game in the Stuttgart Open 2025?

Surprisingly, the Belarusian's campaign in Stuttgart is off to a bizarre start. Except for her, the rest of the players have played at least one or two matches here, but Sabalenka has yet to mark her appearance on the court.

Here is a look at why Sabalenka's campaign got delayed. Being a top seed and world number one, she received a first-round bye, which directly stormed her into the Round of 16. However, her opponent, Anastasia Potapova, sustained an injury in the tournament. The Russian has pulled out from the WTA 500 tournament, which adjusted games as a "walkover," guiding Sabalenka to storm into the quarter-finals directly.

“It’s a bit awkward. But I messaged her [Potapova] to find out if everything is okay. We have adjusted the practice schedule a little, and there’s gym time for me,” conceded Sabalenka.

Also Read: In pics: Coco Gauff, Aryna Sabalenka, and Jessica Pegula dazzle at Stuttgart player's party