Iga Świątek got back at Aryna Sabalenka for last year’s defeat and clinched the Madrid Open title on Saturday after a tough third-set tiebreaker.
The world’s top-ranked Swiatek defeated the second-ranked Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) to secure her third title of the season. At just 22, the Polish player became the youngest to achieve 20 titles since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012.
Swiatek faced two match points when she struggled with her serve at 5-6 in the third set. But she fought back to force the tiebreaker, where she saved a third match point.
After Sabalenka hit long to finish the match, Swiatek collapsed on the red clay. The match lasted 3 hours, 11 minutes, making it the longest WTA final of 2024. Both players broke serve five times.
“Who would say that women’s tennis is dull now?” Swiatek remarked. “Congratulations to Aryna as well because we both put in an amazing effort today.”
Swiatek aims for her fourth French Open title later this month, being the two-time defending champion at Roland Garros.
Swiatek has now improved her head-to-head record with Sabalenka to 7-3. Since her loss to Sabalenka here in 2023, she has won her last seven finals.
Last year in Madrid, Sabalenka defeated Swiatek in three sets for her first win over her rival on clay. The two-time Australian Open champion was looking for a record-tying third title in Madrid.
“I had my chances,” Sabalenka admitted. “I wouldn’t say that I missed them or lost them. It was just incredible play from her, and I think that’s the lesson I have to learn.”
Madrid was the only European clay-court tournament at the WTA 500 level or higher that Swiatek hadn’t won yet. Now she has completed her collection. On Sunday, Andrey Rublev will face Felix Auger-Aliassime in the men’s final.
