Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka displayed sheer resilience as she staged a remarkable comeback against Elena Rybakina to secure her spot in the Madrid Open final, setting up a showdown with world number one Iga Swiatek.
The Belarusian second seed found herself trailing after dropping the first set 1-6 and falling a break behind in the second. However, Sabalenka’s fiery forehand and unwavering determination propelled her to a stunning turnaround, ultimately clinching victory with a 1-6 7-5 7-6 (7-5) triumph.
Sabalenka, a two-time winner in Madrid, will now face Poland’s Swiatek in a highly anticipated final, reminiscent of last year’s title clash. Speaking after her hard-fought victory, Sabalenka expressed eagerness for the upcoming battle, acknowledging Swiatek’s formidable presence on the court.
Swiatek, known for her prowess on clay courts, secured her place in the final with a commanding 6-1 6-3 victory over Madison Keys. Despite Keys’ efforts, Swiatek’s dominance and consistency proved too much to handle, as she sealed her spot in her third WTA 1000 final of the season.
Sabalenka’s victory not only ensures her place in the final but also solidifies her position as the world number two, maintaining her ranking ahead of America’s Coco Gauff. Reflecting on her triumph, Sabalenka expressed gratitude for the support from the fans, acknowledging the significance of Madrid in her career.
With her eyes set on a historic third Madrid Open title, Sabalenka aims to emulate Petra Kvitova’s achievement as the only other player to achieve such a feat in the women’s singles category. As anticipation builds for the final showdown, tennis enthusiasts eagerly await what promises to be a thrilling encounter between two formidable opponents on the clay courts of Madrid.
