Madrid final between Swiatek and Sabalenka named WTA Match of the Year

Before the WTA returns to action at the end of the year, there's still time to look back at the highlights of the 2024 season, which was marked by the transfer of power between Iga Swiatek and Aryna Sabalenka.

The two players met three times this year, in the finals in Madrid and Rome, and in the semi-finals in Cincinnati.

Of these three encounters, the Madrid WTA 1000 final was the most memorable, as it was voted Match of the Year by the fans.

At the time, the Pole, world no. 1, showed an excellent level of play to reach the final.

But Sabalenka, on the other hand, was also on a roll, and in a tournament where she's doing rather well (titles in 2021 and 2023).

In this final, the two players went head-to-head for over three hours. Swiatek saved two match points at 6-5 against her in the final set, before saving another in the tie-break.

In the end, it was 9-7 in the tie-break that the Polish player defeated her rival (7-5, 4-6, 7-6) to win her first title in Madrid.

A logical choice for a match that had enthralled tennis fans with its many twists and turns and its level of play.