World number one Aryna Sabalenka clinched her third Mutua Madrid Open title by defeating Coco Gauff in a memorable final encounter held on Saturday.
The match on La Caja Magica was filled with tension and drama. Sabalenka started strongly, winning seventeen consecutive points early on, but had to battle hard, saving a set point in the second set. She ultimately secured victory over the American challenger with a scoreline of 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), preventing Gauff from winning her tenth title in eleven final appearances.
Having previously lifted the Madrid trophy in 2021 and 2023, and finishing as runner-up to Iga Swiatek in 2024, Sabalenka now matches Petra Kvitova`s record (2011, 2015, 2018) for the most titles won at the tournament.
Highlights of Sabalenka`s Win:
Secures her third Madrid title within the last five years.
Remains undefeated against top 10 players this season, not dropping a single set.
Becomes the first woman since Serena Williams in 2013 to win both the Miami and Madrid tournaments in the same season.
This victory marks her 20th career title.
It is her 9th WTA 1000 crown.
Achieves back-to-back WTA 1000 tournament wins.
Records her 46th career win against a top 10 ranked opponent.
Sabalenka Reflects on Her Victory:
“I`m incredibly happy. It was a challenging match today, and I`m so thrilled to take home this trophy,” Sabalenka stated. “Before the match, I noticed the new trophy and thought, `I need this one, I want to win this trophy,` and I`m just ecstatic.”
“The match was progressing really well until that early break occurred in the second set. After that, I focused on fighting my way back. I managed to regain my serving rhythm and concentrated on applying as much pressure as possible on her serve. I`m particularly pleased that I managed to break her back in that difficult game at 4-5. It was a really intense finish to the match.”
Sabalenka, who will celebrate her 27th birthday shortly, displayed early dominance in the first set, winning four consecutive games without dropping a point to establish a commanding 4-1 lead. Although former US Open champion Gauff managed to break back, making the score 4-2, the Belarusian sealed the first set with another crucial break of serve.
In the second set, the young American competitor regrouped effectively and broke Sabalenka`s serve to take a 2-1 lead.
Gauff, who held a favorable head-to-head record against Sabalenka (five wins to nine encounters previously), served for the second set at 5-4. However, Sabalenka showed resilience, finally converting on her fifth break point opportunity and saving a set point along the way. In a moment of levity during the tense rally, she even dropped her racket, much to the amusement of the crowd and perhaps herself.
Gauff`s Sportsmanship:
In her post-match speech, Gauff showed great sportsmanship, saying, “I`d like to extend my congratulations to Aryna on an outstanding tournament. You are always a formidable opponent. Congratulations to your team as well. You consistently perform well, reaching, I believe, the last four consecutive finals. Congratulations on all the success you are achieving.”
This result significantly widens Sabalenka`s points advantage over Gauff in the world rankings, placing her more than 4,000 points ahead. The outcome also confirms Iga Swiatek`s position at number two, maintaining her ranking above Gauff.
Adding the Madrid trophy to her earlier wins in Miami and Brisbane this year, Sabalenka highlights her remarkable consistency, having reached the final in six of the eight tournaments she has competed in so far in 2025.
Expert Perspectives:
Naomi Broady:
Providing analysis on Sky Sports Tennis, Naomi Broady observed that while Sabalenka led in most statistical categories, Gauff ultimately hit more winners. Broady specifically pointed to Sabalenka`s efficiency on break points, converting just four out of thirteen opportunities, suggesting this is an area she could look to enhance, particularly when facing Coco Gauff.
Annabel Croft:
Annabel Croft, also on Sky Sports Tennis, felt Aryna Sabalenka truly earned her win. She commented on Coco Gauff`s initial slow start, which at one point made a one-sided match seem possible, before Gauff found her form. Croft acknowledged the dramatic turns, including moments involving set and match points leading into the tie-break, but concluded that Sabalenka`s level of tennis was superior overall.
Colin Fleming:
Colin Fleming expressed his sympathy for Coco Gauff, stating he thought she was “slightly the better player” for a considerable part of the second set. He discussed how technique is truly tested under pressure, noting Gauff`s three double faults during the crucial game at 5-4 and a forehand error at 5-5 as moments where her game unraveled.
