Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third Madrid Open title by defeating Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) in a compelling final on Saturday. This victory ties her with Petra Kvitová for the most titles at the tournament since its inception in 2009.
The match showcased Sabalenka’s powerful baseline play, which overwhelmed Gauff in the first set. Despite Gauff’s efforts to rally in the second set, including a 5-3 lead and serving for the set, Sabalenka’s resilience led her to break back and dominate the tiebreak.
This win marks Sabalenka’s third WTA title of the year, adding to her victories in Brisbane and Miami. Notably, she became the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win both the Miami and Madrid Opens in the same season.
Sabalenka’s performance against top-10 opponents has been exceptional, with a 6-0 record this year, all without dropping a set. This consistency underscores her dominance on the tour and solidifies her position as the world number one.
Gauff, ranked fourth, continues her pursuit of a significant title on clay. Her last triumph was at the United Cup, and despite reaching the final in Madrid, she was unable to secure the win.
The final also balanced the head-to-head record between Sabalenka and Gauff, with each player now holding five wins. Their rivalry adds an exciting dynamic to the women’s circuit as the season progresses.
Sabalenka’s victory in Madrid not only adds to her impressive resume but also positions her as a formidable contender for the upcoming Roland Garros. Her current form and confidence make her a player to watch in the Grand Slam events ahead.
