In a dazzling display of power and poise, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka clinched the 2025 Madrid Open title, defeating Coco Gauff in a thrilling final at the Caja Mágica. The Belarusian’s commanding 6-4, 6-3 victory not only secured her third Madrid Open crown but also etched her name alongside tennis legend Serena Williams in the record books. Sabalenka’s triumph marked her as the second woman to reach 20 match wins at the Madrid Open in just 24 matches, a feat only Williams, with 22 matches, has surpassed. Additionally, she became the second player to win both the Miami and Madrid titles in the same season, a rare double last achieved by Williams in 2013.
Sabalenka’s journey to the final was a testament to her resilience and adaptability on the clay courts of Madrid, where she now boasts an impressive 23-4 record. The 26-year-old, known for her aggressive baseline game and fierce determination, dropped just one set throughout the tournament. Her path included victories over formidable opponents like Elise Mertens, Peyton Stearns, Marta Kostyuk, and Elina Svitolina. The quarter-final against Kostyuk was particularly grueling, lasting over two and a half hours and requiring Sabalenka to save three set points in a rain-interrupted tiebreak. “Every time I come here, I always hope I’m going to stay until the last stage,” Sabalenka told the crowd, her words resonating with the passionate Madrid fans who cheered her on.
The final against Gauff, the No. 4 seed, was a clash of titans, marking their tenth career meeting. Sabalenka, who holds a 5-4 head-to-head lead, leaned on her powerful groundstrokes and mental fortitude to outlast the 21-year-old American. Gauff, fresh off a stunning upset over No. 2 Iga Swiatek in the semifinals, fought valiantly but couldn’t match Sabalenka’s relentless pressure. “Thank you so much guys for the atmosphere you bring here,” Sabalenka said after her semi-final win, a sentiment echoed in the electric energy of the final. Her victory earned her 1,000 WTA ranking points and €985,030 in prize money, solidifying her position atop the WTA rankings.
Sabalenka’s Madrid success is no fluke. She has now reached four Madrid Open finals, a record only matched by Simona Halep, and her three titles tie her with Petra Kvitova for the most in the tournament’s history. Her 2025 season has been nothing short of spectacular, with six finals in eight tournaments, including titles in Brisbane and Miami. The Madrid win, her ninth WTA 1000 title, further cements her dominance, as she leads the WTA Race to Riyadh by 1,624 points. “I was trying to find the rhythm on my serve,” Sabalenka reflected after her third-round win over Mertens, highlighting her ability to adapt under pressure—a skill that proved crucial in the final.
Beyond the statistics, Sabalenka’s emotional connection to Madrid shines through. The Caja Mágica, with its high-altitude conditions that favor her aggressive style, has become her fortress. Her 2021 and 2023 titles, coupled with a runner-up finish in 2024, underscore her love for the tournament. This year, she navigated challenges with a champion’s resolve, from a late-night semi-final to a fiercely competitive final. By matching Williams’ records, Sabalenka joins an elite echelon, her name now synonymous with Madrid’s clay-court legacy. As she hoisted the trophy, the tennis world took notice: Aryna Sabalenka, the “Tiger,” is roaring louder than ever.
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