Aryna Sabalenka delivered a classy and light-hearted message to Coco Gauff after defeating the American star in a tightly contested final at the Mutua Madrid Open.
The world No. 1 overcame the fourth-seeded Gauff 6-3, 7-6(3) on Saturday to capture her third Madrid crown and level their head-to-head record at 5-5. The match marked another chapter in what is fast becoming one of the WTA Tour’s top rivalries.
Following the final, Sabalenka opened her victory speech with a tribute to Gauff’s fighting spirit.
“First of all, I want to congratulate Coco and her team for all the hard work they’re doing,” said the 26-year-old Belarusian during the on-court ceremony. “I hope we play many more finals—and I hope I win them all,” she joked, drawing laughter from the crowd. “You’re a great fighter, and I love your spirit.”
⚔️ Rivalry Renewed
Since their showdown in the 2023 US Open final—where Gauff triumphed—Sabalenka and Gauff have met four times, including three semifinals and now the Madrid final. This latest win saw Sabalenka avenge her loss in New York and even the score between the two.
🏆 Sabalenka’s Madrid Mastery
The high-altitude clay courts of Madrid seem to suit Sabalenka perfectly. Since 2021, she has reached four finals at the Caja Mágica and claimed the title three times—an impressive record on one of the WTA’s fastest clay surfaces.
“Thank you to all the sponsors, to [tournament director] Feliciano Lopez—you’re doing an amazing job,” Sabalenka continued. “And to the fans—I love Madrid. Playing here is always special. Thank you for your support.”
🎯 Clutch Moments Define the Match
Despite trailing 3-5 in the second set and facing a set point, Sabalenka held her nerve and powered through to seal a straight-sets victory. Her composure in key moments once again underlined her status as a top-tier competitor.
With the Madrid trophy now in hand, Sabalenka shifts her focus to the upcoming Rome event, where she will aim to reach a fifth consecutive final.
