Sabalenka Overpowers Gauff at Madrid Open, Securing 20th Career Title
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus defeated fourth-ranked Coco Gauff of the USA in straight sets to clinch her record-tying third Madrid Open title and her 20th career victory on Saturday. The match, held on the Caja Magica clay court,...
TroibNews 
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus defeated fourth-ranked Coco Gauff of the USA in straight sets to clinch her record-tying third Madrid Open title and her 20th career victory on Saturday.
The match, held on the Caja Magica clay court, saw Sabalenka dominate the first set and narrowly win a tiebreaker in the second, securing a 6-3, 7-6 result.
At 26, Sabalenka added to her previous Madrid victories from 2021 and 2023, matching Petra Kvitova's record of three titles in the Spanish capital. This win also marked her third championship of the season, bringing her total to top the tour standings following her successes in Brisbane and Miami. Additionally, Sabalenka leveled her head-to-head series with Gauff, now standing at five wins each.
Gauff had the opportunity to rise to World No. 2 with a win. The reigning U.S. Open champion had only dropped one set throughout the week before the final, but her impressive record in title matches now stands at nine victories from 11 attempts.
In the first set, Sabalenka quickly imposed her will, winning 17 consecutive points to jump ahead 4-1. When Gauff adapted her play in the second set, the Belarusian regrouped to force a tiebreaker, effectively quashing any comeback attempts.
During the match, Sabalenka faced a key moment when she missed a championship point on a break chance in the second set, a reminder of her previous struggle to convert three championship points in last year's final against Iga Swiatek. After expressing frustration over the missed opportunity, the three-time Grand Slam winner composed herself and ultimately secured her tour-leading 31st win of 2025.
Gauff's double fault on match point sealed the victory for Sabalenka, who celebrated by raising her arms in triumph.
"It was a really tough match," Sabalenka stated. "At the end of the second set, it was really intense, and I was very emotional. I am happy I was able to handle my emotions."
Camille Lefevre contributed to this article for TROIB News
The match, held on the Caja Magica clay court, saw Sabalenka dominate the first set and narrowly win a tiebreaker in the second, securing a 6-3, 7-6 result.
At 26, Sabalenka added to her previous Madrid victories from 2021 and 2023, matching Petra Kvitova's record of three titles in the Spanish capital. This win also marked her third championship of the season, bringing her total to top the tour standings following her successes in Brisbane and Miami. Additionally, Sabalenka leveled her head-to-head series with Gauff, now standing at five wins each.
Gauff had the opportunity to rise to World No. 2 with a win. The reigning U.S. Open champion had only dropped one set throughout the week before the final, but her impressive record in title matches now stands at nine victories from 11 attempts.
In the first set, Sabalenka quickly imposed her will, winning 17 consecutive points to jump ahead 4-1. When Gauff adapted her play in the second set, the Belarusian regrouped to force a tiebreaker, effectively quashing any comeback attempts.
During the match, Sabalenka faced a key moment when she missed a championship point on a break chance in the second set, a reminder of her previous struggle to convert three championship points in last year's final against Iga Swiatek. After expressing frustration over the missed opportunity, the three-time Grand Slam winner composed herself and ultimately secured her tour-leading 31st win of 2025.
Gauff's double fault on match point sealed the victory for Sabalenka, who celebrated by raising her arms in triumph.
"It was a really tough match," Sabalenka stated. "At the end of the second set, it was really intense, and I was very emotional. I am happy I was able to handle my emotions."
Camille Lefevre contributed to this article for TROIB News
