Sabalenka Edges Gauff in Epic Battle to Win Madrid Open

World number one Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff in a nail-biting 6-3, 7-6 win, securing her third Madrid Open title and leveling their head-to-head record.

Aryna Sabalenka, the world number one, claimed her third Madrid Open title with a dominant win over Coco Gauff, defeating the fourth-ranked American 6-3, 7-6 (7/3).

Sabalenka dominated the first set, cruising past Gauff with a 6-3 scoreline. The match became more intense in the second set, which went to a tie-break. Sabalenka ultimately sealed the win when Gauff double faulted, handing her the victory.

Aryna Sabalenka's Madrid Open win marked her tour-leading 31st victory on Madrid clay, adding to her titles in Brisbane and Miami. This victory was her sixth final appearance of the year and 37th of her career, with her fourth final win in five years at Madrid.

Sabalenka, who was runner-up to Iga Swiatek last year, expressed her confidence in her rivalry with Coco Gauff, saying, “I'm pretty sure we're gonna play many more times in the finals - although I hope I'm going to get all (the wins).” She then took to celebrating with the fans.

Aryna Sabalenka expressed her joy to the crowd, saying, “I'm always so excited to play in front of you and I'm super happy to win this year.”

THREE-PEAT COMPLETE 👑👑👑@SabalenkaA captures her THIRD Madrid title!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/m2CUuvNQDU

— wta (@WTA) May 3, 2025

Sabalenka dominated the first set, winning 17 consecutive points at one stage and building a 4-1 lead with breaks in the third and fifth games. Despite Gauff's struggles to handle Sabalenka's power, the American managed a break to slow the momentum.

Sabalenka sealed the first set in just 35 minutes, breaking Gauff again and converting her second set point as Gauff's slice sailed wide.

Tri and stop her 🏆🏆🏆@SabalenkaA | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/HOwtOHCMTQ

— wta (@WTA) May 3, 2025

The second set saw a resurgent Gauff, who varied her serve effectively and secured a break in the third game. She consolidated to lead 3-1 but Sabalenka pushed back, forcing Gauff to save two break points in the sixth game. Gauff held on for 4-2 but her serve faltered at 5-4, as she double faulted twice, gifting Sabalenka three break points.

A comical moment arose when Sabalenka dropped her racquet during a rally on one of Gauff's break points, prompting the Belarusian to exchange a bemused look with the crowd. Despite this, Gauff managed to save all three break points.

Sabalenka ultimately broke Gauff's serve at the fifth opportunity, but her advantage was short-lived. She held on for 6-5 but couldn't convert a championship point, with Gauff forcing a tie-break instead.

In the tie-break, Sabalenka initially gained the upper hand with two mini-breaks, but Gauff fought back to level the momentum. Sabalenka regained control, earning three championship points. Gauff's double fault ultimately handed the title to Sabalenka.

joining elite company 🤝@SabalenkaA | @serenawilliams | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/Kfi4Pm242k

— wta (@WTA) May 3, 2025

Despite her defeat, Coco Gauff remained positive, saying, “I think this is a step in the right direction.” She expressed gratitude to her team and the Madrid Open organisers, adding, “It's one of my favourite tournaments to come to and one of my favourite cities.” Sabalenka's win levelled their head-to-head record at 5-5 and tied her with Petra Kvitova's record of three Madrid Open titles.