Aryna Sabalenka may be closing in on yet another Madrid Open title, but even the best can have a moment to forget.
In a bizarre and amusing incident during the final against Coco Gauff, Sabalenka chased down a shot—only to realize she didn’t have her racquet in hand. Likely a result of pure muscle memory, Sabalenka had dropped her racquet earlier in the point but continued the rally as if still holding it. Gauff sent a delicate shot over the net, prompting Sabalenka to race forward—only to arrive empty-handed and unable to return the ball.
Despite the slip-up, Sabalenka remains firmly in control and is poised to secure her third Madrid crown.
