Aryna Sabalenka won his third Madrid Open on Saturday after a 6-3, 7-6 (3) victory over Coco Gauff. The world No. 1 won its third WTA title this year with victory.
Sabalenka played the last three finals of the WTA 1000 tournament and equaled the Petra Kvitova record of three open titles from Madrid. Her previous victories occurred in 2023 and 2021. She also equaled GAUFF during five victories during their 10 meetings.
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“I always like to fight against you, you are a fighter,” Sabalenka told Gauff. “I’m super happy to have been able to win this year.”
Sabalenka won her sixth consecutive match against an opponent of the top 10 this year without abandoning a set.
She showed domination with a sequence of four-game victories without conceding a point to build a 4-1 advance in the first set. Although GAUFF fought to fill the gap 4-2, the Belarus obtained the set with another break.
Gauff increased by 2-1 in the second set and built an advance of 5-3 before the double faults while serving allowed Sabalenka to break. She equaled the 5-5 score before winning the title in an equality break.
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Gauff was graceful in defeat and praised his rival after the match.
“Incredible tournament, you are still difficult to face,” Gauuff told Sabalenka. “Congratulations on all the success you have. I hope I can be back in this position next year.”
Sabalenka won 69% of its services, winning points out of 68% and 75% of its first and second. Gauff won 55% of its services, earning points out of 57% and 53% of its first and second. Sabalenka had two aces and two double defects at the two aces of Gauff and eight double faults.
The two athletes will have a quick turnaround as they will prepare to compete in the Italian open in Rome this week. From there, Clay Court’s season will end in the second Grand Slam at Roland Garros.
