Aryna Sabalenka needs three sets to win Madrid opener

(Photo credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports)

No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus began her title defense at the Mutua Madrid Open with a three-set win over Poland's Magda Linette on Friday in Spain.

Sabalenka won the Round of 64 match 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, prevailing in two hours and 19 minutes. She saved eight of nine break points while smashing 10 aces.

The World No. 2 fell behind a break in the second set and couldn't cat