Sabalenka Stages Epic Comeback, Secures Rematch with Swiatek in Madrid Open Final

Defending champion Aryna Sabalenka (25) fought back from a set and a breakdown to upset Elena Rybakina 1-6, 7-5, 7-6(5) on Thursday at the Madrid Open, showcasing an amazing show of resiliency. With this thrilling victory, Sabalenka advances to the final, where she will play her archenemy, 22-year-old world champion Iga Swiatek, in a highly anticipated rematch of the previous year’s championship match.

Rybakina Dominates Early, Sabalenka Fights Back

The opening set unfolded with Rybakina dictating the tempo. Capitalizing on Sabalenka’s below-par performance, the Kazakh player secured two crucial breaks and cruised to a convincing 6-1 victory. Rybakina’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline game kept Sabalenka on the defensive, limiting her opportunities to create attacking chances.

However, the second set saw a dramatic shift in momentum. Sabalenka emerged from the locker room with renewed determination, applying relentless pressure on Rybakina’s serve. This aggressive approach paid dividends as Sabalenka broke back after Rybakina initially took a 4-3 lead. The intensity grew on both sides, with each player holding serve until a crucial break by Sabalenka at 5-5. This pivotal moment swung the set in Sabalenka’s favour, allowing her to take it 7-5 and force a deciding third set.

A Thrilling Decider and a Battle of Nerves

The tension was palpable in the third set, with both players displaying exceptional serving abilities. Neither player was able to create a breakpoint until Sabalenka secured a slender 6-5 lead. Facing the daunting task of serving for the match, Rybakina seemed to succumb to nerves, and Sabalenka capitalized ruthlessly, breaking serve once again. Sabalenka sealed the victory with a powerful serve that Rybakina could not return, sending the crowd into a frenzy.

This comeback victory marks a significant moment for Sabalenka, who had lost three of her last four encounters against Rybakina. However, she proved her mental fortitude and ability to adapt her game under pressure, which was particularly impressive considering this was their first meeting on clay. In her post-match interview, Sabalenka acknowledged the upcoming challenge against Swiatek, highlighting their history of intense battles and her unwavering determination to reclaim the Madrid Open title.

Swiatek Cruises into Final with Dominant Performance

Earlier in the day, Swiatek showcased her dominance on clay with a clinical 6-1, 6-3 victory over Madison Keys (29). Swiatek displayed exceptional focus and control throughout the match, minimizing unforced errors and dictating the pace of play with her powerful baseline game. Keys, known for her aggressive serve and big shots, struggled to find her rhythm against Swiatek’s relentless pressure. This one-sided victory propels Swiatek into her eleventh WTA 1000 final, setting the stage for a highly anticipated rematch against Sabalenka.

A Rematch Fraught with History

The upcoming final promises to be a thrilling encounter. While Swiatek holds a slight edge in their head-to-head record at 6-3, Sabalenka emerged victorious in their only previous meeting at the Madrid Open, defeating Swiatek in the 2023 final. Both players possess unique strengths: Swiatek’s relentless baseline game on clay and Sabalenka’s powerful serve and aggressive approach. This clash presents an opportunity for both players to showcase their resilience and tactical prowess on the prestigious stage of the Madrid Open final.