Iga Swiatek avenged her loss in last year’s Madrid Open final to Aryna Sabalenka, defeating the Belarusian 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (7) in a thrilling third-set tiebreaker.
Swiatek, the world number one, faced two match points when serving at 5-6 in the third set but held her nerve to force a tiebreaker. She then saved a third match point and collapsed on the red clay after Sabalenka hit long to end the match, which lasted 3 hours and 11 minutes.
The victory was Swiatek’s third title of the season and her 20th overall, making her the youngest player to reach that milestone since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012. She also improved her head-to-head record with Sabalenka to 7-3.
Sabalenka, the world number two, was seeking a record-tying third title in Madrid but was unable to overcome Swiatek’s resilience and power.
The Madrid Open was the only European clay-court tournament at the WTA 500 level or above that Swiatek had yet to win. Her victory completes her collection of titles on the surface.
Swiatek will now turn her attention to the French Open, where she will be seeking her fourth title at Roland Garros. She is the two-time defending champion at the tournament.
