Sabalenka's Dream Year Continues with Madrid Open Victory

Aryna Sabalenka defeated Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) to win her third Madrid Open title, matching Petra Kvitova's record. Sabalenka's win cements her strong form this season.

Aryna Sabalenka described her year as “like a dream” after winning her third Madrid Open title with a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Coco Gauff. The world number one dominated the first set and then fought hard in the second, ultimately winning in a tie-break.

The stats behind the win 🔬@SabalenkaA | #MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/FZZG74CiVl

— wta (@WTA) May 3, 2025

Sabalenka's win marked her 31st victory of the season, adding to her titles in Brisbane and Miami. This was her sixth final of the year and 37th of her career, solidifying her impressive form on the court.

“(Getting to six finals) sounds crazy, to be honest... I work hard and I know that if I bring my game and if I fight for every point that I'm capable of that,” Sabalenka told reporters.

“But to actually like do it for real, I was like, okay, this is cool. This is ... like a dream.

“I really hope that I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and keep playing the way I'm playing right now.”

cute moment 🥹 pic.twitter.com/sIiIMWbiic

— wta (@WTA) May 3, 2025

Aryna Sabalenka avenged last year's Madrid Open final loss to Iga Swiatek by beating Coco Gauff in this year's final. Swiatek, who was thrashed by Gauff in the semi-final, is currently struggling with form, which bodes well for Sabalenka's chances of retaining her world number one ranking.

Sabalenka's strong performance makes her a top contender for the French Open, where Swiatek won the title almost a year ago. With Swiatek's current form dip, Sabalenka looks poised to capitalize on the opportunity.

“You know, like now probably Iga is not doing well, which is absolutely fine, and I know that she's going to come back,” continued Sabalenka.

“I'm just working for the future, like trying to improve my game as much as I can, just so I'm ready for whoever is going to bring the challenge on court.”

Aryna Sabalenka dominated the first set, taking control after Coco Gauff's initial hold. Sabalenka won 17 consecutive points, securing a 4-1 lead with breaks in the third and fifth games. Gauff briefly stemmed the tide with a break of her own but Sabalenka broke again to seal the set 6-3 in just 35 minutes.

Sabalenka's powerful game overwhelmed Gauff, who struggled to keep pace. Despite Gauff's US Open win in 2023, Sabalenka's dominance in the first set set the tone for the match.

A Nail-Biting Second Set

Coco Gauff intensified her game in the second set, varying her serve and securing a break in the third game to take a 3-1 lead. Although Sabalenka applied pressure in the sixth game, 

The best early birthday present ever! Thank you for all the love @mutuadridopen 🫶🏼 pic.twitter.com/VAwd39xZXl

— Sabalenka Aryna (@SabalenkaA) May 3, 2025

Gauff saved two break points to hold. When serving for the set at 5-4, Gauff double faulted twice, giving Sabalenka three break point chances. In a lighthearted moment, Sabalenka dropped her racquet during a rally, exchanging bemused glances with the crowd, but Gauff saved all three break points.

Coco Gauff saved multiple break points, but Aryna Sabalenka ultimately broke her serve at the fifth opportunity. Sabalenka then held for 6-5 but missed a championship point, allowing Gauff to force a tie-break. Sabalenka took control in the tie-break, securing two mini-breaks before Gauff briefly fought back. Sabalenka regained her advantage, opening up three more championship points.

Coco Gauff's double fault handed the victory to Aryna Sabalenka, leveling their head-to-head record at 5-5. Sabalenka matched Petra Kvitova's record of three Madrid Open titles.

Gauff expressed mixed feelings after the match, saying, “Overall there's a lot of positives to take (but I'm) obviously disappointed with maybe how I played today. I feel like I could have showed up better.”