Swiatek's heroic victory over Sabalenka in Madrid!
In a match of insane intensity, Iga Swiatek claimed the title in Madrid, defeating an excellent Aryna Sabalenka (7-5, 4-6, 7-6 in 3h11). The world's No. 1 went through all kinds of emotions before finally raising her arms at the end of an exceptional match.
After a first act in which the Pole made the difference at the best of times (7-5), the match turned. More aggressive than ever, the Belarusian came back to level at one set apiece before being the first to break in the final set (3-1). As calm as ever, Swiatek didn't lose her composure and immediately won back her late set (3-3).
In a breathtaking end to a match in which both players had the chance to clinch the title, it was the three-time French Open winner who finally had the last word.
Collapsing on the court at the end of the match, Swiatek let her emotions run high. This title means a great deal to the world number 1: not only does she take her revenge on the player who beat her last year, but above all, she finally wins a tournament that had previously been closed to her.