World number one Aryna Sabalenka captured her third Madrid Open title with a hard-fought 6-3, 7-6 (7-3) victory over Coco Gauff, holding off a spirited challenge from the American in a gripping final on Saturday.

The Belarusian dominated early proceedings, winning 17 consecutive points en route to taking the opening set. However, the contest tightened in the second as Gauff mounted a determined comeback, briefly leading 5-3 before Sabalenka drew level.

Despite missing a championship point earlier in the set, Sabalenka maintained composure in the tie-break. Gauff rallied from 3-0 down to level at 3-3, but a costly double fault handed the 26-year-old the decisive edge she needed to seal the win.

The final brought together two in-form players: Sabalenka, playing her sixth final of the season with titles already in Brisbane and Miami, and Gauff, fresh off an impressive semi-final win over Iga Swiatek.

Sabalenka’s Madrid triumph adds to her previous titles at the event in 2021 and 2023. She was runner-up last year, also to Swiatek. With this latest victory, she joins Petra Kvitova as a three-time champion in the Spanish capital.

Speaking after the match, Sabalenka praised her opponent: “Congratulations to Coco. I’m so happy to see you back playing your best tennis. You’re a real fighter and I love competing against you.”

Gauff, 21, remained upbeat despite the loss: “It’s been a step forward for me. This is one of my favourite cities and favourite tournaments, and I hope to build on this going forward.”

Source: BBC

SMS/