Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third Madrid Open title after triumphing over Coco Gauff in a gripping match filled with tension and skill on Saturday.
The showdown at La Caja Magica was a showcase of Sabalenka’s exceptional abilities as the world’s top-ranked player. She launched the match with remarkable momentum, winning 17 consecutive points at the start, a sign of her dominance. However, the contest was not without its challenges. Sabalenka found herself in a precarious position as she needed to fend off a set point in a fiercely contested second set. Ultimately, she emerged victorious with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), effectively ending Gauff’s heartfelt ambition of securing her 10th title in 11 finals.
Sabalenka’s victory at this year’s tournament adds to her previous successes in 2021 and 2023, as well as her runner-up finish to Iga Swiatek in 2024. With this win, she ties with Petra Kvitova for the most Madrid Open titles, with Kvitova having won in 2011, 2015, and 2018. This milestone not only highlights Sabalenka’s growing legacy in women’s tennis but also her extraordinary talent on clay courts, where she has proven to be a formidable competitor.
In her post-match remarks to Sky Sports Tennis, an elated Sabalenka expressed her delight: “I’m super happy. It wasn’t an easy match today, and I’m so happy to get this trophy. Before the match, I saw they had a new trophy, and I was like, ‘I need this one, I want to win this trophy,’ and I’m super happy.” Her words reflected her passion for the sport and the significance of the achievement for her career.
From the outset, Sabalenka displayed her aggressive playing style, winning four games in succession without dropping a single point, which gave her a commanding 4-1 lead in the first set. Coco Gauff, not to be underestimated, fought back with determination, breaking Sabalenka’s serve to close the gap to 4-2. Despite Gauff’s resurgence, Sabalenka showcased her resilience and clinched the first set with another break of serve, marking her as an exceptional competitor when under pressure.
The second set saw Gauff regroup and break serve early, taking a slim 2-1 lead, which added an extra layer of excitement to the match. The intensity reached new heights as Gauff served for the set at 5-4, putting Sabalenka in a tough spot. However, Sabalenka, known for her tenacity, seized her fifth opportunity to break back, saving a crucial set point along the way. Even in the heat of the moment, she showed a lighthearted spirit, laughing off a moment when she dropped her racket in the middle of a rally.
In a show of sportsmanship, Gauff praised Sabalenka after the match, saying, “I’d like to congratulate Aryna on an incredible tournament. You’re always tough to face. Congrats to your team. You’re always doing well, but the last four straight finals, I think. Congrats on all the success you’ve been having.” Gauff’s gracious acknowledgment speaks volumes about the respect athletes hold for one another, even amidst fierce competition.
Sabalenka’s Madrid victory has further solidified her place at the top of the WTA rankings, with a commanding lead of over 4,000 points ahead of Gauff. Despite this, Iga Swiatek maintains her position over Gauff at No. 2 in the rankings.
With the Madrid title added to her achievements in Miami and Brisbane, Sabalenka’s remarkable consistency in the sport is confirmed, as she has reached the finals in six of the eight tournaments she has participated in so far in 2025. This victory not only enhances her collection of accolades but also reinforces her unwavering commitment and relentless pursuit of excellence in women’s tennis, setting the stage for even greater triumphs in her career.
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