In a dazzling display of power, precision, and composure, Aryna Sabalenka claimed her third Madrid Open title on Saturday by defeating American star Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (3) at the Caja Mágica in the Spanish capital. The victory further solidifies Sabalenka’s supremacy on the WTA tour in 2025 and underscores her reputation as one of the most consistent players in the modern game.
The win adds another chapter to Sabalenka’s remarkable 2025 campaign, which has already seen her capture titles in Brisbane, Miami, and now Madrid. Her latest triumph means she has reached six finals in just eight tournaments this season and now holds a commanding 4,000-point lead at the top of the WTA rankings. With each passing week, she distances herself further from rivals like Iga Swiatek and Coco Gauff, who continue to chase her from behind.
Early Dominance and Tactical Brilliance
Sabalenka’s performance in the Madrid final was a statement of intent. She raced out of the blocks to win 17 consecutive points, completely dismantling Gauff’s opening game plan and establishing a swift 4-1 lead in the first set. While the American regained some composure, the deficit was too much to overcome, and the Belarusian closed out the set 6-3 with ruthless efficiency.
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Gauff, who had defeated Sabalenka in five of their previous nine encounters, entered the match with renewed confidence after rediscovering her form during the tournament. Her run to the final followed a difficult few months marked by inconsistent results, but she showed flashes of her best in Madrid—just not enough to halt the Sabalenka juggernaut.
In the second set, Gauff momentarily turned the tide. She broke Sabalenka to take a 2-1 lead and served for the set at 5-4, creating a pivotal set point. But Sabalenka, showing maturity and mental toughness that has defined her season, saved the set point and eventually broke back. During one rally, she even dropped her racquet mid-point, sharing a laugh with the crowd, a moment of levity in a tense battle.
Tie-Break Drama and Closing the Match
The match climaxed in a gripping second-set tie-break, where both players fought tooth and nail for supremacy. Gauff saved a match point at 5-6 with a gutsy second serve under pressure, but Sabalenka soon took control again. On her second match point, Gauff handed Sabalenka the title with an unfortunate double fault, a disappointing end to an otherwise hard-fought contest.
Following the victory, Sabalenka reflected on her ability to manage the high-stakes moment.
“I’m super happy that I was able to handle my emotions at the end of the second set,” she told Tennis Channel. “It was really intense and it was a real fight over there. I’m very happy I was able to close this match in two sets.”
Gauff’s Grace in Defeat
Gauff, always gracious in defeat, paid tribute to her opponent during the post-match ceremony.
“I’d like to congratulate Aryna on an incredible tournament. You’re always tough to face. Congrats to your team. Congrats on all the success you’ve been having.”
Despite the loss, Gauff will take positives from her performance in Madrid, having navigated a challenging draw and displayed improved mental fortitude. The 20-year-old American remains one of the brightest young talents in the game and is expected to bounce back strongly with the French Open just weeks away.
Madrid Title Adds to Sabalenka’s Growing Legacy
With this win, Sabalenka joins an elite group of players to have won multiple Madrid Open titles, including Serena Williams and Petra Kvitová. Her earlier victories at this event in 2021 and 2023 set the stage for her continued dominance on clay, a surface where she has matured significantly over the past three years.
Her head-to-head edge over top contenders like Gauff and Swiatek has also improved in 2025, with the Belarusian increasingly becoming the benchmark in women’s tennis. Notably, her lead over Swiatek remains insurmountable for now, despite the Polish player retaining the No. 2 position in the rankings.
What’s Next for Sabalenka?
With the French Open fast approaching, Sabalenka’s current form makes her the undeniable favorite heading into Roland Garros. Her adaptability on all surfaces, coupled with her big-hitting game and newfound consistency, positions her as a serious contender not only for the Paris Grand Slam but also for Wimbledon and the US Open later this year.
Her team, led by coach Anton Dubrov, has meticulously prepared her to compete at peak physical and mental levels throughout the grueling WTA calendar. Sabalenka’s ability to stay injury-free and manage emotional intensity has become a hallmark of her rise to the top.
If she continues this trajectory, Sabalenka may not only dominate the 2025 season but also cement her legacy as one of the greats of her generation.
