Aryna Sabalenka is ‘happy’ about rival Coco Gauff’s resurgence at Madrid Open after her struggles: Here’s why
Aryna Sabalenka expressed genuine happiness for Coco Gauff’s resurgence at the 2025 Madrid Open, where the two faced off in a thrilling final on May 3, with Sabalenka winning 6-3, 7-6(3). Sabalenka’s comments, shared post-match on Tennis Channel and echoed in posts on X, reflect her respect for Gauff’s comeback after a challenging start to the 2025 season. “I saw she was struggling a little in the beginning of the year, and I’m happy she made it to the finals and is finding her rhythm,” Sabalenka said, acknowledging Gauff’s journey from inconsistency to a standout performance in Madrid. She also noted, “I’m sure we’ll play many more times in the finals… I always enjoy fighting against you. You’re such a fighter,” highlighting their competitive yet respectful rivalry.
Gauff’s resurgence was evident in her dominant run, culminating in a 6-1, 6-1 semi-final rout of Iga Swiatek, her best clay result since the 2022 Roland Garros final. Despite early season struggles—quarterfinal exits at the Australian Open and Stuttgart, and losses to lower-ranked players like Belinda Bencic and Magda Linette—Gauff found her form in Madrid, dropping only one set (6-0 to Dayana Yastremska) before the final. Her improved serve and forehand, previously criticized, shone, with 18 winners against Swiatek. Sabalenka, who empathized with Gauff’s service struggles in a 2024 X post, saying, “I feel you like nobody else,” likely connected with Gauff’s efforts to overcome technical challenges.
Sabalenka’s happiness stems from both professional admiration and personal empathy. As world No. 1, Sabalenka thrives on high-level competition, and Gauff’s return to form elevates their rivalry, now tied at 5-5 after 10 meetings. Gauff’s 5-4 head-to-head edge, including a 2024 WTA Finals win, pushes Sabalenka to stay sharp, especially on clay, where Gauff beat her in 2021 Rome (7-5, 6-3). Sabalenka’s own consistency—reaching six finals in 2025, winning Brisbane, Miami, and Madrid—sets a high bar, and Gauff’s resurgence ensures their matches remain must-watch battles. Additionally, Sabalenka’s acknowledgment of Gauff’s mental fortitude reflects a shared understanding of the pressures of top-tier tennis, fostering mutual respect despite their fierce on-court duels.[](https://theplayoffs.news/en/wta-madrid-open-final-start-time-aryna-sabalenka-vs-coco-gauff-match-preview-tv-channel-and-more/)[](https://www.theguardian.com/sport/2025/may/03/aryna-sabalenka-seals-madrid-open-hat-trick-after-dismantling-gauff)[](https://www.espn.com/tennis/story/_/id/44983440/sabalenka-tops-gauff-straight-sets-madrid-open-title)
