World No. Aryna Sabalenka won the second set to win 6-3, 7-6 (3) from Coco Gauff number 4 and won the third Mutua Madrid Open's title on Saturday.
Sabalenka started strongly, without accepting a point and a dominant 4-1 won four flat games. Gauff struggled with a break before it was broken again with its second set point to finish Belarussia's first set within 35 minutes.
The second set proved more challenges for Sabalenka. Gauff, 4-2 ahead.
However, when the Gauff set had a chance to put it in 5-4, he made twice as double mistakes and allowed Sabalenga to withdraw and finally Gauff's eighth double error.
“I am very happy to be able to handle my feelings at the end of the second set. It was really busy and there was a real fight there.” He said. “I am very happy to be able to close this match in two sets.
In the last five years, Sabalenka's fourth Madrid Final won in 2021 and 2023 and fell to Iga Swiatek, who dominated by Gauff in 6-1, 6-1 semi-final loss on Thursday, last year.
Sabalenka tied Czech Petra Kvitova for most Madrid titles. He won in Kvitova 2011, 2015 and 2018.
Sabalenka's victory points to the third WTA of the year. He also won in Brisbane and Miami and joined Serena Williams (2013) as the only player to win Miami and Madrid in the same season.
Sabalenka, “(Gauff) I saw a little fight at the beginning of the year and I am happy to reach the finals and I am happy to find the rhythm.” He said.
Gauff and Sabalenka now have equal to the head with five wins. In 2021, Gauff defeated Sabalenka at other meetings at the Clay in Rome.
“I would like to congratulate Aryna in an incredible tournament. Always difficult to confront Aryna.” He said. “Congratulations to your team. … Congratulations for all your success.”
The first 21 -year -old Madrid was finalized for the first title of 2025. This will have to wait, but Gauff, “I think this is a step in the right direction.”
-FELD level media
