World number one Aryna Sabalenka won her third Madrid Open title on Saturday as she saw off fourth-ranked Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) to back up her world-leading 31st win on clay in the Spanish capital.
The Belarusian, last year’s runner-up, was unrelenting against the 2023 US Open champion. After Gauff held serve immediately, Sabalenka won 17 consecutive points to zip to a 4-1 lead, breaking Gauff in the third and fifth games. Though Gauff did get a break back, Sabalenka closed out the set in 35 minutes on her second set point.
Gauff fared better in the second, breaking in the third game and going up 4-2. The American had the chance to take the match to a deciding third set when she was serving for the match at 5-4 but double faulted twice to allow Sabalenka to break back and save numerous set points.
The No. 1 seed held for 6-5 and gained a match point, but Gauff held for a tiebreaker. Sabalenka grabbed control of the decider with two early mini-breaks, and although Gauff briefly threatened, Sabalenka closed it out as Gauff double-faulted on match point.
It was Sabalenka’s sixth final of the year, and her third title, having previously won in Brisbane and Miami.
