Aryna Sabalenka triumphs over Coco Gauff in Madrid Open final

In Madrid, Spain, Aryna Sabalenka, the world's top-ranked female tennis player, achieved a significant milestone by winning the Madrid Open on Saturday, defeating Coco Gauff in a tightly contested match. The final score was 6-3, 7-6 (7-3), showcasing Sabalenka's exceptional performance and mental fortitude. This victory marked her third title at this prestigious tournament, previously won in 2021 and 2023, tying her with Petra Kvitova for the most titles in Madrid history. Sabalenka's journey to the final was defined by her dominating presence on the court, leading to an impressive run of form leading up to the championship match. Throughout the tournament, she displayed her skill and resilience, amassing a total of 31 match wins in 2025 alone, setting a remarkable pace. By winning the Madrid Open, Sabalenka also secured her place as a leader this season, adding to her titles from Brisbane and Miami. The final match against Gauff was an exciting battle of strategies and nerves. In the first set, Sabalenka established an early advantage, winning 17 consecutive points to take a 4-1 lead. Gauff, however, adjusted her gameplay, rallying back and forcing a tiebreaker in the second set. Despite a missed championship point and the pressure mounting, Sabalenka remained focused and capitalized on Gauff's final error to claim victory. The match showcased the emotional intensity experienced by both athletes, particularly for Sabalenka, who managed to channel her past experiences positively. This victory not only solidified Sabalenka's status at the top of the WTA rankings but reflected her growth and recovery following a disappointing performance at the Australian Open earlier in the year. With this significant win, she continues to build momentum heading into the Italian Open and the upcoming French Open, where she has faced challenges historically. For Gauff, despite the setback, her future prospects remain bright, as she has previously celebrated success at U.S. Open but will aim to bounce back from this final defeat.