World number one Aryna Sabalenka overcame a second-set fightback by fourth seed Coco Gauff to secure a 6-3 7-6(3) win and clinch her third Madrid Open title on Saturday, with the three-times major winner claiming her third title this year on the WTA tour.
Sabalenka, who has played in the last three finals of the WTA 1000 tournament, equaled Petra Kvitova’s record haul of three Madrid Open titles. She also drew level with Gauff in their head-to-head record, with five wins apiece after 10 encounters.
“I always enjoy fighting against you, you’re such a fighter,” Sabalenka told Gauff at the presentation ceremony after securing her sixth consecutive victory against top-10 ranked opponents this year without dropping a set. “I’m super happy I was able to win this year.”
A dominant Sabalenka won four consecutive games without conceding a point to establish a 4-1 lead in the first set. Although former US Open champion Gauff fought back with a break to narrow the score to 4-2, the Belarusian player secured the set with another break.
Gauff broke Sabalenka to take a 2-1 lead in the second set and held her serve under pressure to build a 5-3 advantage. However, Gauff’s double faults while serving for the set allowed Sabalenka to break back and level the score at 5-5 before ultimately winning the title in a tiebreak.
“Incredible tournament, you’re always tough to face… congratulations on all the success that you’re having,” Gauff said to Sabalenka. “Hopefully I can be back in this position next year.”
