Aryna Sabalenka overcame a spirited fightback from Coco Gauff to assert her third Madrid Open title with an exciting 6-3 7-6 (7-3) win.
World primary Sabalenka dominated the opening set however squandered a championship level in a fluctuating second set as Gauff compelled a tie-break.
There was nonetheless little to separate them as Gauff recovered from 3-0 to make it 3-3 however a double fault gave 26-year-old Sabalenka the victory.
Each got here into the ultimate confidently, with Belarusian Sabalenka because the world’s finest and Gauff coming off the again of her gorgeous semi-final win over Iga Swiatek.
Sabalenka made a flying begin, which included 17 factors gained in a row, however Gauff’s courageous restoration noticed her take a 5-3 lead within the second set.
The 21-year-old American then saved six break factors to thwart Sabalenka’s comeback after she had made it 5-5.
However Sabalenka held her nerve below strain in her sixth last of 2025 thus far, including the Madrid title to her wins in Brisbane and Miami.
