The 2021 WTA Madrid Open is behind us and Arya Sabalenka won it after a glorious final against Ashleigh Barty.
The match between Ash Barty and Aryna Sabalenka at the Madrid Open was a final worthy of the name. It delivered many spectacular rallies, points and historic moments. One such moment is when Barty received a first-set bagel which happened only 8 times ever and it this was the first in over four years.
Barty was up 40-15 in her first service game but Sabalenka was relentless. She attacked and went for winners every rally and her improved movement on the clay is what made it possible. She also got a lot of free points because she served very well.
The 2nd set saw Barty much more aggressive going for winners more often and generally reading the serve of Sabalenka better. The key moment in the set came at 2-2 when Sabalenka was up 40-15 in the game but ended up losing it. Barty never looked back and won the set 6-3.
The final set saw a fierce battle and great tennis by both players. At 4-4, Sabalenka turned it up a notch and broke Barty with another stellar backhand return winner. She ended the match with another strong service game.
A sensational match and display from both with Sabalenka a bit better in the end. Check out the best moments from the match below: