In a dazzling display of power and resilience, Aryna Sabalenka stormed into the 2025 Madrid Open final, defeating Elina Svitolina in a gripping semifinal clash on May 1, 2025. The world No. 1’s 6-3, 7-5 victory not only secured her a blockbuster showdown with Coco Gauff but also etched her name into the record books with two remarkable achievements. Sabalenka became the first WTA player to reach 30 match wins in the 2025 season and matched a rare feat by advancing to her fourth Madrid Open final, a milestone previously achieved only by tennis legend Martina Hingis.
The Belarusian’s journey to the final was anything but straightforward. Facing Svitolina, who entered the match with an unbeaten 11-match streak on clay without dropping a set, Sabalenka showcased her trademark aggression and mental fortitude. The first set saw her seize control early, capitalizing on a double fault from Svitolina to break serve and claim a 6-3 lead. Her dominance on serve was evident, winning an impressive 79% of first-serve points. The second set tested her resolve as Svitolina fought back, leveling the score at 5-5 after Sabalenka faltered while serving for the match. Undeterred, Sabalenka broke back immediately and sealed the victory with a ferocious backhand, ending Svitolina’s clay-court dominance in just 91 minutes. “Thank you so much guys [the crowd] for the atmosphere you bring here,” Sabalenka said post-match, her gratitude resonating with the electric Madrid crowd. “It’s really enjoyable playing in front of you.”
Sabalenka’s 30th match win of the season marks her as the WTA’s most consistent performer in 2025, a testament to her relentless drive. Her campaign has been a masterclass in power tennis, with titles at the Brisbane International and Miami Open already under her belt. Reaching six finals in the first four months of the year—Brisbane, Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, and now Madrid—she has proven her ability to thrive under pressure. This milestone places her among the elite, as no other player has matched her win tally so early in the season.
Equally historic is her fourth Madrid Open final appearance, a feat that aligns her with Hingis, who achieved the same in the early 2000s. Sabalenka’s love affair with the Caja Magica is undeniable, boasting a 22-4 record since her debut in 2018. She lifted the title in 2021 and 2023 and was runner-up to Iga Swiatek in 2024. “I think the end of both sets were pretty tough,” Sabalenka reflected, acknowledging the mental strength required to navigate high-stakes moments. Her ability to save three set points in a rain-interrupted quarterfinal against Marta Kostyuk further underscores her poise, a quality that has elevated her game on Madrid’s fast clay courts.
As Sabalenka prepares to face Gauff, who holds a narrow 5-4 head-to-head edge, the stakes are monumental. A victory would make her only the second woman, after Petra Kvitova, to win three Madrid Open titles. Gauff’s commanding 6-1, 6-1 semifinal rout of Swiatek sets the stage for a thrilling final, with Sabalenka’s 5-1 record against Svitolina highlighting her edge against top-tier opponents. “I was handling myself because of the conditions. It wasn’t about tennis, it was just about the way you can focus on yourself,” Sabalenka said, a nod to her mental growth.
At 26, Sabalenka is at the peak of her powers, blending raw power with newfound composure. Her historic achievements in Madrid cement her as a clay-court titan, and with a third title in sight, she stands on the cusp of further greatness. Tennis fans await an epic final, where Sabalenka’s legacy could soar to new heights.
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