Aryna Sabalenka continued her sensational 2024 season with a commanding 6-3, 7-6(3) victory over Coco Gauff to secure a third Madrid Open title, further solidifying her status as world number one and favourite for Roland-Garros.
The Belarusian blew past Gauff in the first set and overcame a spirited fightback in the second, clinching the title after the American double-faulted on match point in the tie-break.
It marked Sabalenka’s tour-best 31st win of the year and her sixth final of the season, adding Madrid to her titles in Brisbane and Miami.
The three-time Grand Slam champion ripped through 17 consecutive points early on and held off Gauff’s improved second-set showing, including a dramatic hold after dropping her racquet mid-rally.
Despite squandering a championship point, Sabalenka steadied in the tie-break to draw level 5-5 in their personal head-to-head and join Petra Kvitova as a three-time Madrid champion.
With Iga Swiatek struggling for consistency and Sabalenka red-hot on clay, her momentum heading into the French Open could hardly be stronger.
