MADRID (AP) — Aryna Sabalenka won her third Madrid Open title on Saturday by defeating Coco Gauff in straight sets. The No. 1-ranked Sabalenka dominated the first set and secured victory in a tiebreaker, with a score of 6-3, 7-6 (3), on the clay court. This victory marked Sabalenka’s third title in Madrid, matching Petra Kvitova’s tournament record. It was also her third title of the season, adding to her wins in Brisbane and Miami, and her 20th career title. Sabalenka now has five wins each against Gauff in their head-to-head matchups.
Gauff, ranked fourth, missed the opportunity to rise to No. 2 with this loss. Despite a strong week leading up to the final, the 2023 U.S. Open champion suffered her second set defeat in the final match, bringing her finals record to nine wins in 11 appearances.
In the men’s final on Sunday, Casper Ruud will face Jack Draper.
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