New Delhi: Aryna Sabalenka has once again proven her prowess on the red clay of Madrid. The world number one brushed aside Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) on Saturday to win her third title at the Madrid Open, adding yet another WTA 1000 trophy to her impressive 2025 season haul.
Already a champion in Brisbane and Miami earlier this year, Sabalenka’s win over the US Open champion marked her 31st tour-leading victory on the Madrid clay. It was a statement performance and a fitting redemption after falling to Iga Swiatek in last year’s final.
𝐀𝐑𝐘𝐍𝐀 𝐈𝐒 𝐓𝐇𝐄 𝐐𝐔𝐄𝐄𝐍 🏆🏆🏆
World No. 1⃣ @SabalenkaA defeats Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) to equal the tournament record with her third #MMOPEN crown in the Manolo Santana Stadium. pic.twitter.com/ZMRrVvlpp9
— #MMOPEN (@MutuaMadridOpen) May 3, 2025
Sabalenka wasted little time making her intentions clear. After an initial hold from Gauff, the Belarusian stormed through the next 17 points, building a quick 4-1 lead with ruthless hitting and clinical breaks in the third and fifth games. Her power overwhelmed Gauff early, and despite a brief response from the American with a break of her own, Sabalenka regained control and sealed the opening set in just 35 minutes. A wide slice from Gauff handed over the set on Sabalenka’s second set point.
Gauff rallies back, but Sabalenka holds firm
The second set saw a more determined Gauff, who adjusted her serve and found rhythm early. A break in the third game, followed by a solid hold, gave her a 3-1 lead. She looked to be turning the tide, especially after fending off two break points in the sixth game to go 4-2 ahead.
But when serving for the set at 5-4, Gauff faltered. A pair of double faults opened the door, and while she saved multiple break points – including one during a rally where Sabalenka hilariously dropped her racquet mid-point – the top seed eventually broke through at the fifth attempt to level the set.
Sabalenka then held for 6-5 and came within one point of the championship, but Gauff dug deep to force a tie-break. However, the composure and confidence of Sabalenka shone through when it mattered most.
Sabalenka and Coco sharing a toast after the Madrid final 😭 pic.twitter.com/g6qfRJdf1z
— The Tennis Letter (@TheTennisLetter) May 3, 2025
A title well deserved
The tie-break saw Sabalenka grab two mini-breaks early, only for Gauff to battle back briefly. Yet the pressure proved too much in the end. Sabalenka opened up three championship points, and the contest came to a close on a disappointing note for Gauff as she double-faulted, gifting the title to her opponent.
At 26, Sabalenka now holds three Madrid Open titles and has reached six finals in the 2025 season alone. With the French Open approaching, the Belarusian appears to be peaking at just the right time.
This latest triumph not only highlights her growing consistency but cements her as one of the fiercest competitors on the tour, especially on clay. And if the current form is anything to go by, Sabalenka may not be done lifting silverware just yet.
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame Coco Gauff in straight sets to claim her third Madrid Open title, continuing a dominant 2025 season. Tennis Sports News: Latest Cricket News, Cricket Live Score, Sports Breaking News from Sports Today
