The defending champion, Aryna Sabalenka, found herself in a precarious position during her match against Elena Rybakina at the Mutua Madrid Open on Thursday evening. Trailing by two points and facing a potential loss, the situation appeared bleak for Sabalenka. However, in a remarkable turn of events, she managed to mount a comeback, securing a final-set tiebreaker and earning a place in the final.
Reflecting on her victory, Sabalenka admitted, “I was struggling a lot on my serve in the first set, and the relatively straightforward games on my serve gave me a bit more belief that I still had some chances in this match.”
Sabalenka’s triumph not only put an end to Rybakina’s impressive 16-match winning streak on clay courts but also paved the way for a rematch with the top-ranked Iga Swiatek, whom she had faced in the 2023 final.
Having previously dominated the Brisbane final against Sabalenka earlier in the season, Rybakina’s nerves appeared to get the better of her in Madrid. Holding a 2-1 lead, a critical forehand error ultimately shifted the momentum in Sabalenka’s favour. Despite Rybakina breaking Sabalenka and establishing a significant lead, Sabalenka demonstrated unwavering resolve. She persevered and eventually clinched the match in a dramatic final-set tiebreaker.
Following the dust settling, Sabalenka emerged victorious, edging closer to the possibility of claiming her third Madrid trophy in four years. Furthermore, her win thwarted Coco Gauff’s attempt to overtake her for the No. 2 spot in the upcoming rankings.
With this highly anticipated rematch on the horizon, tennis enthusiasts are undoubtedly eagerly anticipating the final showdown between Sabalenka and Swiatek. Both players have exhibited remarkable skill and determination throughout the tournament, setting the stage for a captivating match that is certain to enthrall audiences worldwide.