Gauff Stuns Swiatek, Sabalenka Sets Madrid Open Final
Coco Gauff crushes Iga Swiatek to reach the Madrid Open final, setting up a championship clash with world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka.
Gauff Shocks Swiatek as Sabalenka Powers into Madrid Final
In a stunning turn of events at the 2025 Madrid Open, American tennis star Coco Gauff dismantled reigning champion Iga Swiatek in a lopsided semi-final, while Aryna Sabalenka stormed past Elina Svitolina to book her place in another Madrid final. The stage is now set for a high-stakes showdown between two of the most electrifying talents in women’s tennis.
Gauff, just 21 and already a Grand Slam champion, delivered one of her most dominant performances on clay, overwhelming Swiatek 6-1, 6-1 in just 64 minutes. The result marks a significant breakthrough for Gauff, who had never beaten the Polish powerhouse on clay before Thursday’s match.
Swiatek Stumbles in Shocking Madrid Collapse
Swiatek, the world No. 2 and a five-time Grand Slam champion, appeared out of sorts from the first serve. Despite her track record on clay and her reputation as a fierce competitor, she never found rhythm or momentum. Gauff broke her serve five times and dictated the pace with relentless energy and precision.
“It just didn’t click today,” Swiatek admitted in a candid post-match interview. “Coco played really well, but I also wasn’t moving the way I should. I think mentally I forced things more than I should have. Today, it all kind of collapsed.”
This loss marks Swiatek’s third defeat to Gauff in her last three encounters, but it’s her first on clay—a surface where the Pole has long reigned supreme. Despite showing signs of vulnerability earlier in the tournament, including a quick first-set bagel by Madison Keys, Swiatek had managed to rally until she met Gauff.
Gauff: “I Made Her Uncomfortable”
For Gauff, the win wasn’t just strategic—it was personal. After multiple failed attempts to topple Swiatek on red clay, the American entered the match with a fresh mindset and aggressive game plan. “She’s a great mover and makes you work for every point,” Gauff said. “But today, I tried to take that away from her.”
And she did—ruthlessly. Gauff broke in the third, fifth, and seventh games of the first set, then followed up with two more breaks in the second to close the match on her first opportunity.
With her clay-court confidence on full display, Gauff now heads into the final with momentum and a psychological edge, having already defeated Sabalenka once this year at the United Cup.
Sabalenka Returns to Madrid Final with Commanding Win
On the other side of the draw, Aryna Sabalenka kept her impressive season rolling. The top-ranked Belarusian defeated Ukraine’s Elina Svitolina 6-3, 7-5 to reach her fourth Madrid final in five years. With her win, Sabalenka became the first WTA player in 2025 to notch 30 match victories.
Sabalenka came out strong, taking four of the first five games and sealing the first set with a second break. Though she wobbled while serving for the match in the second set, she broke back immediately and closed out the contest with characteristic power and poise.
“I feel like I’m getting better with each match,” said Sabalenka, who previously won the Madrid title in 2021 and 2023. “This tournament has always brought out my best tennis.”
What to Expect in the Madrid Final
With both finalists in top form, Sunday’s final promises to be a thrilling clash of styles. Gauff’s athletic defense and quick transitions will be tested against Sabalenka’s raw power and relentless aggression.
Their head-to-head is tight, with both players having claimed big wins over the other. But on clay, the dynamics change. Gauff’s recent victory over Swiatek suggests she’s ready to dominate on slower surfaces, while Sabalenka’s experience and success in Madrid give her a mental advantage.
Tennis fans can expect long rallies, explosive shot-making, and perhaps a few surprises when these two meet with the trophy on the line.
Men’s Madrid Open: Ruud Makes Semi-Final Statement
On the men’s side, Casper Ruud continues to shine on clay. The Norwegian powered past Daniil Medvedev 6-3, 7-5, earning his first win against the Russian in four meetings. While Ruud converted just two of eight break points, his consistency and comfort on clay were evident throughout the match.
Medvedev, never a fan of the surface, struggled with 33 unforced errors and four double faults, failing to secure a single break. Ruud will next face Argentina’s Francisco Cerundolo, who advanced after a gritty comeback against Jakub Mensik.
Meanwhile, Britain’s Jack Draper breezed past Matteo Arnaldi and now prepares to face Lorenzo Musetti, who defeated Gabriel Diallo with little trouble.
Conclusion: Madrid Sets the Stage for a Showdown
As the Madrid Open nears its climax, the spotlight falls on a must-watch final between Coco Gauff and Aryna Sabalenka. Both women have overcome major hurdles en route to the championship match—Gauff conquering her clay-court demons and Sabalenka proving once again why she’s the world’s best.
While Swiatek’s early exit leaves questions ahead of the French Open, her resilience and track record suggest she’ll bounce back. For now, though, the focus shifts to two titans ready to battle for Madrid glory.
Disclaimer:
This article is for informational purposes only. All quotes are sourced from official post-match press conferences and WTA coverage. Results and rankings are accurate as of May 2, 2025.
source : News18