On Saturday, Iga Swiatek defeated Aryna Sabalenka in a thrilling Madrid Open final to win her first title in a match that was a repeat of last year’s highlight. Sky Sports Tennis has exclusive live coverage of over 80 tournaments a year, including the US Open
22:06, UK, Saturday 4 May 2024
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek collected three championship points in the Madrid Open Classic on Saturday, winning 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) at the Arena. – Dethroned Sabalenka from the throne.
In the 2023 final, Sabalenka won in three sets, but this time it was Swiatek who won, clinching the 20th title of his career and the Belarusian’s third on the red clay of the Spanish capital. I prevented it.
The match was the first match of the season between the top two women’s rankings and lived up to expectations, clocking in at three hours and 11 minutes, making it the longest showdown between Grand Slam champions.
Swiatek reflected on the tough Madrid Open final against Sabalenka and what winning the tournament meant to her.
“Arina, it’s always a challenge to play against you. So thank you for inspiring me and forcing me to be a better player,” Swiatek said on court after winning his 20th career title. .
“I want to thank my team. I don’t know what else to say to make you feel special because I’ve given such great speeches so far. But I think what I saw on the court was just special. ”
“Thank you for being there for me through the ups and downs. For understanding me and encouraging me. Because without you I wouldn’t be here. I hope we keep moving forward. That’s the end. The most important thing is that I want to do that.”Thank you to my family for watching over me. ”
After the world No. 1 took the lead in the first set, Sabalenka, who is looking to retain her title at the Manolo Santana Stadium, regained momentum to equalize and take a 3-1 lead in the decider.
Swiatek evoked this winner in the best way in a dramatic Madrid Open final
Sabalenka, ranked second in the world, led 6-5 in the final stages of the final, earning her two championship points, but at the decisive moment Swiatek forced her again and scored the deciding goal, giving her both chances. I couldn’t do it.
Sabalenka held serve for the first six points of the tiebreaker, forcing a mini-break with a powerful forehand, but Swiatek quickly recovered.
With the score deadlocked again at 5-5, Sabalenka sent a long return to give Swiatek a mini-break and his first championship point of the match, only for the Belarusian to produce an ace.
Then, after overhitting her forehand again, Swiatek was left serving to save the match, but Sabalenka again failed to capitalize on the opportunity and two long returns shifted the momentum back to the top seed.
The 25-year-old Sabalenka hit another hard backhand, but it fell off the court just as Swiatek made a remarkable recovery.
Swiatek lost just one set in her five wins in Madrid before seeking a repeat of last year’s final, which Sabalenka won in three sets.
The 22-year-old Polish player has already won three times at Roland Garros and has qualified for Europe’s big clay tournament, which he had previously missed out on.
Sabalenka, who won the Australian Open twice, said: “Congratulations to Iga on another great tournament. You did a great job. I hope I get a result next year. 3 hours. That’s a long time. I hope he recovers quickly for the next tournament.”
A confetti cannon caught Swiatek and the Sky Sports Tennis Committee by surprise while lifting the trophy at the Madrid Open!
Social media reaction to the epic final
“One of the best matches I’ve ever witnessed.”
“The quality they showed for over three hours was amazing. It was high quality,” said Anne Keotavong. sky sports tennis.
“It was a brave performance from both players.
“That was one of the best games I’ve ever seen courtside. It was a high-quality, dramatic game. I want more of it.”
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What will happen on Sky Sports Tennis?
Find out all the ways you can watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA Tour
Watch tennis’ biggest stars in action as they prepare for the second Grand Slam of 2024, the French Open at Roland Garros starting May 26th Live broadcast on Sky Sports They compete throughout the clay court season.
- Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (ATP and WTA Masters 1000) – May 7-19
- Geneva Open (ATP 250) – May 20-26
- Lyon Open (ATP 250) – May 20th-26th
- Strasbourg International Tournament (WTA 500 with Emma Laducane) – May 20th to 26th
- Morocco Open (WTA 250) – May 20-26
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