In a electrifying showdown at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka solidified her dominance on the clay courts of La Caja Mágica, defeating No. 4 seed Coco Gauff in a gripping final to claim her third Madrid Open title. The match, which unfolded on May 3, 2025, ended with a score of 6-3, 7-6(3), showcasing Sabalenka’s resilience and Gauff’s tenacity in a battle that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The final marked the 10th career meeting between these two powerhouse players, leveling their head-to-head record at five wins apiece. Sabalenka, who previously triumphed in Madrid in 2021 and 2023, joined an elite group by matching Petra Kvitova’s record of three Madrid Open titles. Her victory also tied her with Serena Williams for a rare feat—winning both the Miami and Madrid titles in the same season, a testament to her commanding form in 2025.
From the outset, Sabalenka asserted her authority, reeling off 17 consecutive points to surge to a 4-1 lead in the first set. Her aggressive baseline play and powerful forehand overwhelmed Gauff, who struggled to find her rhythm early on. Despite a spirited fightback from the American, who managed to break Sabalenka’s serve to close the gap to 4-2, the Belarusian regained control, sealing the first set in just 35 minutes with another break.
The second set proved a far tighter affair, with Gauff showcasing the resilience that has made her a fan favorite. Fresh off a dominant 6-1, 6-1 semifinal victory over defending champion Iga Swiatek, Gauff found her footing on the clay, breaking Sabalenka to lead 2-1 and later holding serve under pressure to reach 5-3. With the set within her grasp at 5-4, Gauff faltered, double-faulting twice and allowing Sabalenka to claw back to 5-5. The set culminated in a tense tiebreak, where Sabalenka’s composure shone through, capitalizing on Gauff’s eighth double fault of the match to secure the victory.
“I’m super happy that I was able to handle my emotions at the end of the second set,” Sabalenka said post-match, reflecting on the intensity of the contest. “It was really intense and it was a real fight out there. I’m very happy I was able to close this match in two sets.”
Gauff, gracious in defeat, praised her opponent’s performance during the awards ceremony. “I’d like to congratulate Aryna on an incredible tournament. You’re always tough to face,” she said, adding, “Congratulations on all the success that you’re having.” The 21-year-old American also expressed her faith, thanking “my lord and savior Jesus Christ” for the opportunity to compete in the final, a moment that resonated with the Madrid crowd.
Sabalenka’s victory netted her €985,030 in prize money and 1,000 WTA ranking points, further cementing her lead atop the rankings with a 4,345-point gap over her nearest rival, Iga Swiatek. Gauff, who earned €523,870 as the runner-up, remained optimistic about her future, stating, “Hopefully I can be back in this position next year and have a chance to fight for the bigger trophy.”
The match was not without its lighter moments. Sabalenka, known for her vibrant personality, dropped her racket mid-rally in the second set, a moment she later laughed off. “I always enjoy fighting against you, you’re such a fighter,” she told Gauff during the trophy ceremony, predicting “many more finals” between the two. “I hope I’m gonna get all of them,” she added with a playful grin.
For Sabalenka, the win marked her third WTA title of the 2025 season, following triumphs in Brisbane and Miami, and her 20th career title overall. Her dominance in Madrid, where she boasts a 22-4 record, underscores her affinity for the high-altitude, quick clay conditions that favor her aggressive style. Gauff, meanwhile, heads to the upcoming Italian Open and French Open with renewed confidence, having reached her third WTA 1000 final and proven her mettle against top-tier competition.
As the clay season progresses, the rivalry between Sabalenka and Gauff promises more thrilling encounters. With both players at the peak of their powers, the tennis world eagerly awaits their next chapter.
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