MADRID — In a dazzling display of talent, the top-ranked Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third title at the Madrid Open, tying the record with an impressive victory over No. 4 Coco Gauff in straight sets on Saturday.
Showing her prowess on the Caja Mágica clay courts, Sabalenka dominated the first set and clinched the second in a tense tiebreaker, finishing with scores of 6-3, 7-6 (3).
Adding to her previous victories in 2021 and 2023, Sabalenka matched Petra Kvitova’s tournament record. This triumph marks her third title this year, following wins in Brisbane and Miami. Notably, she draws level with Gauff in their head-to-head record at five wins each.
A victory for Gauff could have elevated her to No. 2 in the rankings. The reigning champion of the 2023 U.S. Open had showcased incredible form throughout the week, losing just one set prior to the final. Unfortunately, her once-stellar record in finals now stands at nine wins out of eleven.
Sabalenka came out firing, unleashing an aggressive start that included a remarkable stretch of 17 consecutive points, racing to a 4-1 lead. Gauff attempted to rally by varying her shots, pushing Sabalenka to dig deep and ultimately forcing a second-set tiebreaker, where Sabalenka secured her victory.
Despite missing a championship point during a break chance in the second set—a haunting reminder of her previous missed opportunities against Iga Swiatek in last year’s final—Sabalenka managed to recompose herself, overcoming her frustrations to achieve her tour-leading 31st win of 2025.
As Gauff’s final shot bounced off the net, Sabalenka celebrated with her arms raised in triumph.
“It was an incredibly tough match,” Sabalenka reflected. “The end of the second set was filled with intensity, and I experienced a lot of emotions. I’m relieved I could keep them in check.”
Looking ahead, the men’s final on Sunday features Casper Ruud against Jack Draper.
