By: Kwame Bediako
Belarusian star Aryna Sabalenka secured her third Madrid Open victory, tying Petra Kvitova’s record with her third title in the Spanish capital.
The 26-year-old World No. 1 beat American Coco Gauff in straight sets, showing her ability to thrive under pressure on the clay courts of the Caja Mágica. Sabalenka’s comprehensive win highlights her exceptional form this season, as she adds yet another trophy to her growing collection, proving she is a force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour.
Sabalenka’s victory was marked by a dominant first set, where her aggressive baseline game overwhelmed Gauff, reeling off 17 consecutive points at one stage. The American, however, showed resilience by spreading her shots and pushing the match to a second-set tiebreaker.
Despite missing a championship point, Sabalenka kept her composure, shaking off the missed opportunity from last year’s final and fighting through intense moments to close out the match. Her victory underscores her ability to handle high-pressure situations, especially after a tough season that tested her mental strength.
The win also levels Sabalenka’s head-to-head record with Gauff at five wins apiece, signaling a fierce rivalry that continues to develop. With this triumph, Sabalenka not only claims her third title of the year following wins in Brisbane and Miami but also solidifies her position atop the WTA rankings. Her consistency across different surfaces and her ability to rebound from setbacks demonstrate her resilience and determination to dominate the women’s game in 2025.
Gauff, who could have ascended to World No. 2 with a victory, experienced a rare loss in a final after dropping only one set during the tournament. The 21-year-old’s impressive run in title matches has now slipped to nine wins from 11 attempts, highlighting the fine margins in top-level tennis. Her loss on Saturday is a reminder of the intense competition she faces from seasoned champions like Sabalenka, as she continues to build her reputation as a formidable contender.
