Iga Swiatek claimed victory over Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling final at the Madrid Open, winning her third title of the season and becoming the youngest player since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012 to secure 20 titles. The match went to a third-set tiebreaker, with Swiatek ultimately prevailing 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7).
Despite facing difficulties with her serve towards the end of the match, Swiatek managed to save two match points and force the tiebreaker, where she sealed the win. The intense final lasted three hours and eleven minutes, with both players breaking each other’s serves five times.
Having now defeated Sabalenka in seven out of their ten encounters, Swiatek has won seven consecutive finals since her loss to Sabalenka in the same tournament last year. With her eyes set on her fourth French Open title later this month, Swiatek’s dominance on clay continues.
Sabalenka, aiming for her third Madrid Open victory, fought hard but fell short in the end. Last year’s win over Swiatek in Madrid marked her first victory against her on clay.
This triumph in Madrid completes Swiatek’s collection of victories at European clay-court competitions at the WTA 500 level or higher, solidifying her status as one of the top players in the sport.