Aryna Sabalenka has triumphed over Coco Gauff to secure her third title of the season at the Madrid Open. The world’s top-ranked player scored 17 consecutive points early in the match, but had to fend off a set point in the second set to claim a 6-3 7-6(3) victory at the Caja Magica.
This marks Sabalenka’s third championship win in Madrid, having previously won the trophy in 2021 and 2023 before succumbing to Iga Swiatek last year.
The Belarusian now boasts a lead of over 4,000 points over her faltering rival in the rankings, although this result ensures that Swiatek remains ahead of Gauff at number two.
Sabalenka adds the Madrid title to her victories in Miami and Brisbane, demonstrating remarkable consistency by reaching the final in six out of the eight tournaments she has participated in so far in 2025.
Gauff, who seemed to regain her form after a challenging period, appeared powerless as Sabalenka racked up 17 straight points to take a 4-1 lead.
The American managed to regain her composure and, despite losing the first set, broke serve to lead 2-1 in the second.
Despite having won five of their previous nine encounters, Gauff served for the set at 5-4, only for Sabalenka to seize her fifth opportunity to break back, saving a set point and even managing to laugh when she dropped her racket mid-rally.
Gauff then saved a match point while serving at 5-6 with a courageous second serve, but Sabalenka surged ahead once more in the tie-break and was awarded the title on her second match point due to a double fault from Gauff.
Content Source: www.express.co.uk