Sabalenka sweeps past Gauff in final to win Madrid Open for 20th career title

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus beat fourth-ranked Coco Gauff of the USA in straight sets to win her record-tying third Madrid Open and 20th career title on Saturday.

Sabalenka powered through the first set and edged Gauff in a tiebreaker in the second for a 6-3, 7-6(3) victory on the Caja Magica clay court.

The 26-year-old added to her previous Madrid trophies from 2021 and 2023, while also equaling Petra Kvitova's record of three titles in the Spanish capital. The triumph marked Sabalenka's tour-leading third championship this season after Brisbane and Miami. She pulled level with Gauff in their head-to-head series, as well, with five wins apiece.

Gauff could have risen to World No. 2 with a victory. The 2023 U.S. Open champion dropped only one set this week until the final. The American's stellar record in title matches slipped to nine wins from 11 attempts.

Sabalenka battered Gauff early, reeling off a run of 17 consecutive points on her way to a 4-1 start in the first set. When the 21-year-old regained her footing by spreading her shots around in the second, the Belarusian dug in to force a tiebreaker and end any chance of a comeback.

Sabalenka had missed a championship point on a break chance in the second set, recalling her failure to convert three championship points in a loss to Iga Swiatek in last year's final. After loudly scolding herself over the missed opportunity, the three-time Grand Slam winner shook it off, settled down, and polished off her tour-leading 31st win of 2025.

Gauff double faulted on match point, and Sabalenka triumphantly thrust her arms into the air.

"It was a really tough match," Sabalenka said. "At the end of the second set, it was really intense, and I was very emotional. I am happy I was able to handle my emotions."