In a stunning display of power and precision, Coco Gauff delivered a masterclass performance at the 2025 Madrid Open, dismantling defending champion Iga Swiatek 6-1, 6-1 in just 64 minutes to secure her place in the final. The world No. 4’s commanding victory on the clay courts of the Caja Magica marked her first win over Swiatek on the surface and her third consecutive triumph against the Polish star, shifting the dynamics of their once-lopsided rivalry. Gauff’s former coach, Brad Gilbert, was quick to celebrate the American’s brilliance, taking to social media to express his awe at her ability to “absolutely hammer” the world No. 2. The triumph not only propelled Gauff into her first WTA 1000 clay-court final but also signaled her emergence as a formidable force on the red dirt.
Gauff, the 2023 US Open champion, arrived in Madrid with a point to prove. Her 2025 season had been solid but lacked a defining moment, with quarterfinal exits at the Australian Open and Stuttgart and no WTA 1000 semifinal appearances until now. Facing Swiatek, a four-time French Open winner with an 11-3 head-to-head edge, Gauff was the underdog, especially on clay, where Swiatek had won all five of their previous encounters in straight sets. Yet, the 21-year-old turned the tables with a near-flawless performance, firing six aces, winning 90% of her first-serve points, and converting five of seven break points. “I was aggressive and played with margin,” Gauff said post-match, acknowledging Swiatek’s subpar day but emphasizing her own role in forcing errors. “Maybe her level wasn’t her best, but I think I forced her into some awkward positions.”
Gilbert, who coached Gauff from mid-2023 until their split in September 2024, couldn’t contain his enthusiasm. “Mighty impressive effort from Coco, absolutely hammers Iga Pop for her 1st win on clay and 3rd straight win overall,” he posted on X, his nickname for Swiatek adding a playful touch to his praise. Under Gilbert’s guidance, Gauff had transformed her game, particularly her forehand, which once crumbled under Swiatek’s relentless topspin. His work helped her secure titles in Washington, Cincinnati, and the 2023 US Open, though their partnership ended after a dip in form during her 2024 US Open title defense. Now, with new coach Matt Daly refining her serve, Gauff’s forehand and aggressive playstyle have evolved, allowing her to dictate rallies against even the most formidable opponents.
The semifinal was a stark departure from Swiatek’s usual clay-court dominance. The Pole, who had won Madrid in 2024 and boasted a 15-1 record at the event since 2023, struggled with 21 unforced errors, including 19 off her forehand. “Coco played good, but I think it’s on me that I didn’t move well,” Swiatek admitted, her frustration evident as she draped a towel over her head during a changeover, wiping away tears. Gauff’s relentless pressure, exemplified by 18 winners and just eight unforced errors, left Swiatek with no answers. “You know at any moment she can come back and play great tennis,” Gauff said, explaining her focus on maintaining intensity. “So, for me, it was just about making sure my level stayed the same and actually trying to raise it.”
Gauff’s journey to the final wasn’t without challenges. She dropped the first set 6-0 to Dayana Yastremska in her opener but rallied to win in three sets, then cruised past Ann Li, Belinda Bencic, and Mirra Andreeva in straight sets. Her quarterfinal against Andreeva, where she saved two set points, showcased her growing composure. “I felt great out here on the court today, much different to my first match,” Gauff reflected, crediting her adaptation to Madrid’s high-altitude clay. Now, she faces world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka in the final, a rematch of their 2023 US Open title clash. With a 5-4 head-to-head edge and a clay-court win over Sabalenka in 2021, Gauff is poised for a shot at her 10th career title.
For Gilbert, Gauff’s performance was a vindication of her potential, even as he watches from afar. His tenure with her laid the foundation for moments like this, and his vocal support underscores the belief that Gauff is among the world’s best. As she prepares to battle Sabalenka, Gauff carries the momentum of a career-defining win, proving that on her day, she can outshine even the most decorated champions.
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