Sabalenka Set to Clash with Gauff in Madrid Open Final

MADRID: Aryna Sabalenka has secured her spot in the Madrid Open final for the fourth time, triumphing over Ukrainian Elina Svitolina with a 6-3, 7-5 victory in the semi-finals held at Park Manzanares.

Svitolina’s impressive streak of 11 consecutive wins was halted by Sabalenka, the world’s top-ranked player, who showcased her dominance throughout the match.

While the first set saw Sabalenka comfortably in control, Svitolina mounted a strong resistance in the second set but ultimately couldn’t take the lead.

Sabalenka expressed that her win against Svitolina has greatly bolstered her self-assurance moving forward.

“It’s a challenge to overcome Svitolina… Beating her significantly boosts confidence and signifies you’re performing well,” she commented.

This final will mark Sabalenka’s third consecutive appearance in the Madrid Open final. She is now slated to compete against American Coco Gauff, who caused an upset by defeating world number two Iga Swiatek with a score of 6-1, 6-1 in their semi-final encounter.

Swiatek, a five-time Grand Slam champion, was unable to create a single break point opportunity and lost her serve five times, concluding the match in just 64 minutes.

Sabalenka boasts previous Madrid Open titles from 2021 and 2023. However, she was defeated by Swiatek in last year’s final.

The women’s singles final is scheduled for May 3. The victor will be awarded €985,000 and 1,000 points.