Astonishing Iga SWIATEK reigns supreme in Madrid Open after thrilling battle against Aryna SABALENKA
WTASaturday, 04 May 2024 at 21:58
Iga
Swiatek (No. 1) overcame Aryna Sabalenka (No. 2) with a scoreline of 7-5, 4-6,
7-6(7) to clinch the Madrid Open title for the first time in her career. The
Polish player now boasts 20 professional titles and 9 WTA 1000 titles so far,
marking an intense battle between the two top-ranked players.
The
match was a rematch of the 2023 final, a rarity not seen since the years 2009-2010
when finalists Roger Federer and Rafael Nadal faced off in consecutive years,
with Federer winning first and then Nadal. This time, Swiatek avenged
Sabalenka's victory from a year earlier.
Swiatek
reached the final with a series of commanding victories, breezing through the
semifinals against Madison Keys in just one hour (6-1, 6-3), while Sabalenka
had to stage a comeback against Elena Rybakina to secure the win in a third-set
tie-break (1-6, 7-5, 7-6).
Nerve-wracking showdown at Caja Magica
The
first set was a showcase of high-quality tennis right from the start. Both
players secured an early break, highlighting the pressure of the moment. From
then on, they showed greater consistency on serve: Swiatek had a 61% first
serve percentage, winning 70% of those points, similar to Sabalenka who had a
68% first serve percentage and won 69% of those points.
The
set remained evenly matched until 5-5, with neither player dominating, and both
had already saved several break points against them. In the 11th game, Swiatek
capitalized on one of the two opportunities her opponent gave her and secured
the crucial break to then close out the first set on her serve, 7-5, taking the
lead after over an hour of play.
In the
second set, things took a turn as Sabalenka secured the first break and raced
to a 2-0 lead in just a few minutes. However, it was a period of greater inconsistency
for both players on serve, with four consecutive breaks, but they returned to
parity at 3-3.
Iga Swiatek totalized 35 winners and 37 unforced errors in the match
Both
players defended their service games well, but similar to the previous set, the
break came at the most pressure-filled moment. Sabalenka was up 5-4 and seized
her only opportunity to send the match to a third set with a 6-4 victory, as
the match approached the two-hour mark.
In the
third set, both player let up the intensity, and the pressure was felt from
both sides. The Belarusian saved a couple of break points in the third game and
then capitalized on her first opportunity in the following game to take a 3-1
lead while playing her best tennis. But the No. 1 still had something to say
and immediately recovered the break.
The
tension escalated until the 12th game, arguably the most gripping game of the
match, where Swiatek was against the ropes but managed to fend off two match
points before taking it all to the tie-break.
Both conceded a mini-break before Swiatek earned her first match point at 6-5, but Sabalenka saved it with an ace. Then, a crosscourt forehand error from the Polish player handed her opponent her third championship point, but she couldn't capitalize on it either.
Finally, Swiatek secured the mini-break with Sabalenka's serve, and after fending off three match points against her, she claimed the title by 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in an exhilarating celebration. This victory marks her ninth WTA 1000 title and brings her total professional titles to 20.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
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- I love WTA matches. Seek them out as much as possible on youtube and other platforms I already subscribe to. With that in mind, I do not wish to pay $$$ to a notoriously slippery subscription conglomerate sports broadcaster (like SkySports) just for the privilege to watch it and the tnt/eurosport/discovery subscription went from $$ to $$$+ annually in a blink of an eye. With ATP I have been begrudgingly paying xyz tennis only channel and try to catch up on slams elsewhere (pubs, youtube with USO later on games are just as enjoyable to watch and a smart move to upload on their official channel) but they don't cover WTA. I tried another Tennis dedicated channel that advertised originally as broadcasting where I live, but turned out, they took the money, but didn't cover the matches (only fluff/filler value documentaries). I don't understand why it is so hard to not lock the live matches to one broadcaster only refusing so many people who are happy to pay for the privilege just not through that one entry point. WTA is so exciting for the last few years and they really should capitalise on it as much as possible. And I know it is somewhat naive talking without knowing the inner works, but not being able to find any WTA other than youtube (and then only highlights mostly) is just so frustrating.JayJay11-09-2026
- Clearly not AI :-)
AceOfBase11-09-2026 - Oh my God!! Does anyone proofread these pages??? Case in point: However, the question mark over the 32-years-old head......???? No! No! No! However, the question mark over the 32-year-old's head...good grief man, hire a proofreader. This article is rife with errors making some sentences very difficult to read. I had to stop. I am a proofreader hence my disgust.Rapunzel10-09-2026
- Iga needs to make a decision whether she wants to continue the sport of tennis or pursue whatever she has going on in her personal life. One can tell that tennis is no longer an interest of hers. She should retire while she is on top, not when she slides to the bottom of the rankings. She has too much talent to look how she does on the court these days. She looks more like a wild card than a champion.crissy09-09-2026
- Looks like tennis has become a part of the American Oligarchy. As usual, Pegula is given a cupcake draw. With all her money, they have to fixed the draws in her favor in order to raised the trophy.crissy09-09-2026
- Huge win for Ben! He needed this. Amazing that Alcaraz took over four months off and still was able to make the QF’s and take Ben to a fifth set tie break! Insane tennis. Tiafoe vs. Shelton should be a good one too. Americans might finally get their US Open Champion after 23 years!DaveyWavey09-09-2026
- No one else would get away with this but these AMERCANS! It’s the US Open!! In America!! But sure, go off American ;)DaveyWavey08-09-2026
- WOW !!! Her comebacks have been intense. She's Baaaaack!
mandoist08-09-2026 - Don't lay this shitshow on "Americans". It is a long-running Ego trip with WTA allowing these two Elitists 'in need of a Camera' illicit Wildcards. If these two clowns want to "perform" -- then play the qualies.mandoist08-09-2026
- Here we go again…. Different rules for Americans! Especially THESE Americans. Yuck!DaveyWavey07-09-2026
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