A Superlative Sabalenka Sweeps Madrid, Closing In on Number 1
Tournament Triggers Delight for Sabalenka in Madrid: Sabalenka's Dream-like Madrid Open Experience
Madrid, besieged by tango and tapas
Aryna Sabalenka, the imposing world No. 1, declared her astonishing form this year to be "like a wild, passionate tango" as she danced past Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday to win the Madrid Open for a third time!
Last year's bridesmaid made swift work of the fourth-ranked American before battling through a grueling second set, eventually clinching the trophy at the Spanish capital's premier tennis event.
Sabalenka racked up a tour-leading 31 victories on the Madrid red clay, netting yet another WTA 1000 crown to add to her titles in Brisbane and Miami!
(Photo: EPA-EFE)
This marked her sixth final of the year and her 37th overall - the fourth in five seasons here. The audacious Belarusian couldn't contain her enthusiasm when she shared, "I never thought I'd reach six finals... this is more like a wild, passionate tango, a dream come true!"
Firmly eyeing the future, Sabalenka declared, "Hopefully, I'll keep dancing and playing the way I am right now!"
Last Year's Heartbreak, This Year's Redemption
A stark reminder of last year's heartbreak came in the form of Iga Swiatek. The Pole, struggling for form, lost to Gauff in the semifinals. Swiatek had beaten Sabalenka in last year's final. But with Coco showing up less than her best this weekend, there's little doubt that Sabalenka's chances for the world No. 1 ranking and the French Open crown are looking mighty fine!
"Iga will surely return," Sabalenka reassured, "But for now, I'm doing all I can to be ready for whoever steps up for battle on the court."
The three-time Grand Slam champion dominated the first set after Gauff eked out an initial hold. Sabalenka's powerful play earned breaks in the third and fifth games to push ahead 4-1. Stewart's 2023 US Open win stalled Sabalenka's rampage, but only momentarily. The Belarusian wrapped up the set with a swift 35 minutes, punctuated by her second set point as Gauff sliced wide!
A Tie-Break Tango
Gauff emerged rejuvenated in the second set, experimenting with a more distinct serve and claiming a break in the third game for a commanding 3-1 lead. The resourceful American battled back from two break points in the sixth game, bombarding Sabalenka with thunderous groundstrokes to hold. At 5-4, Gauff had the nerve-wracking task of serving for the set, but two double faults left the door open for Sabalenka.
The opportunity was hers, and she seized it - sealing the win after a five-time set-point!
(Photo: AP Images)
"Obviously, I'm disappointed with my performance today," Gauff admitted. "I feel like I could've showed up stronger."
Speaking of strong performances, with these impressive showings in Madrid, Sabalenka is increasingly making a case for herself as a force to be reckoned with, even on clay courts!
Sources:1. ABC News (Australia)2. ESPN3. Australian Tennis Magazine
- Sabalenka's victory at the 2023 Madrid Open marks another significant milestone in her tennis career, adding another WTA 1000 crown to her titles in Brisbane and Miami.
- As the tour-leading player with 31 victories on the Madrid red clay, Sabalenka demonstrated her dominance on the court and her ability to perform well on different surfaces, even sealing the win after a challenging five-time set-point in the final.
- With six finals this year and the third Madrid Open title under her belt, Sabalenka probably has a strong chance to seal the WTA No. 1 ranking and set her sights on the French Open crown in the sports of tennis.
