Iga Swiatek Wins First Madrid Open Title, Defeats Aryna Sabalenka in Final – Updated May 5, 2024

In a thrilling final at the Madrid Open, world number one Iga Swiatek emerged victorious against reigning champion Aryna Sabalenka to claim her first title at the prestigious tournament. The match, which lasted a grueling 3 hours and 11 minutes, saw Swiatek save three championship points before ultimately prevailing over her opponent with a scoreline of 7-5 4-6 7-6 (9-7).

With this win, Swiatek not only secured her 20th career victory but also etched her name in the history books as the first tennis player born in the 2000s to achieve this milestone. The 22-year-old Pole now joins the ranks of elite players with 20 tour-level titles, a feat previously accomplished only by male players Carlos Alcaraz and Jannik Sinner.

Swiatek’s impressive resume includes four Grand Slam titles and a total of nine WTA 1000 titles, with her latest triumph coming at the Madrid Open. The young star’s dominance on clay courts is evident from her three-time championship wins at Roland Garros and two-time victories at the Italian Open.

Reflecting on her historic achievement, Swiatek expressed her joy at winning the tournament and emphasized her focus on giving her best in every competition. Her remarkable consistency in finals, having won her past seven, highlights her mental strength and determination on the court.

While Sabalenka fell short of securing a third consecutive Madrid Open title, she remained positive about her performance and efforts throughout the tournament. The Belarusian player acknowledged the high level of play in the final and expressed satisfaction with her overall performance in Madrid.

As Swiatek continues to make waves in the tennis world, her latest triumph at the Madrid Open solidifies her status as a formidable force to be reckoned with on the WTA Tour. With her sights set on further success, the young star is poised to achieve even greater heights in her career.