ARYNA Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked player, defeated No. 4 Coco Gauff in straight sets on Saturday (Sunday, May 4, 2025, PH time) to win her third Madrid Open title and the 20th title of her career.
Sabalenka powered through the first set and then won a tight second set in a tiebreaker, 6-3, 7-6 (3), on the Caja Mágica clay court.
Sabalenka’s victory ties Petra Kvitova’s record for the most Madrid Open titles (3). It also marks Sabalenka’s tour-leading third title of the year, following wins in Brisbane and Miami. With this win, Sabalenka evens her head-to-head record with Gauff at five wins each.
Gauff, who could have risen to No. 2 with a win, had lost only one set all week leading up to the final. The 2023 U.S. Open champion’s record in finals now stands at nine wins and two losses.
Sabalenka started strong, winning 17 consecutive points to take a 4-1 lead in the first set. In the second set, Gauff challenged her by spreading her shots, but Sabalenka held on to force and win the tiebreaker.
The match brought back memories of Sabalenka’s loss to Iga Swiatek in last year’s final, where she failed to convert three championship points.
However, after missing a championship point in the second set, Sabalenka regained her composure and secured her tour-high 31st win of 2025.
Sabalenka celebrated her victory by raising her arms in the air after Gauff’s final shot hit the net.
“It was a really tough match,” Sabalenka said. “At the end of the second set it was really intense and I was very emotional. I am happy I was able to handle my emotions.”
The men’s final between Casper Ruud and Jack Draper will take place on Sunday. / From the wires