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Aryna Sabalenka overpowered Iga Swiatek in Madrid Open final to secure her thirteenth WTA career title.
In a thrilling final between the top two women's players in the world, World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka got her first win on clay over Iga Swiatek, defeating the World No.1 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to win the Madrid Open for the second time.
It is her thirteenth WTA career title, but only the second on clay courts - both have been in Madrid (2021 and 2023).
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She now has her revenge following Swiatek's victory in Stuugart two weeks ago, though Swiatek still leads the head-to-head 6-3 in the rivalry.
Since her first win against a world No.1 in 2019, Sabalenka has the most wins against the No.1 (four), surpassing Belinda Bencic and Sofia Kenin - three each.
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She is also the first player to defeat the world No.1 in a single WTA clay court final since 2021, which was achieved by her in Madrid 2021 (against Ashleigh Barty).
“Hi, guys. Sorry for no Spanish. I’m not on that level. You don’t want to hear that. Congrats Aryna, you always play such intense tennis, you definitely deserve it. Hopefully, we’re going to play more finals against each other,” said Swaitek after her loss to Sabalenka.
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While the winner had encouraging words for her rival, hoping they play more this season.
“It’s always tough battles against each other. You always push me to the limit. I hope we’re going to keep playing many more times this season,” said Sabalenka.
“I’m super happy, especially against Iga on clay, it’s something special. Hopefully, we’ll keep playing finals this season. I’ll do everything I can to make it happen. It’s great the first two seeds reach the final. That’s something amazing.”
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