Could there have been a more captivating final in the history of the Madrid Open? The highly anticipated tennis showdown between the world's top-ranked Iga Swiatek and world No.2 Aryna Sabalenka had all the makings of an exceptional affair. But little did we anticipate just how sensational, nail-biting and timeless this encounter would turn out to be.
After three grueling hours and 11 minutes of play, spanning three exhausting sets, with over 70 winners, neither competitor could gain the upper hand. Yet, when all seemed lost, Swiatek defied the odds and summoned her inner strength. On the brink of defeat, she remarkably saved three championship points, emerging as the victor and securing her very first title in Madrid.
In last year's final between these two top stars, it took a truly sparkling display from Sabalenka to dethrone Swiatek. This time around, after an early exchange of service breaks, they settled into a more composed rhythm, with the focus shifting towards the dominance of their serves.
Reference(s):
Swiatek outlasts Sabalenka to secure first Madrid Open title
cgtn.com
