We’re running out of superlatives to describe Aryna Sabalenka’s feats. In her career in general, but particularly in Madrid. With her win on Saturday she has matched Petra Kvitova as the player with the most titles in the history of the Mutua Madrid Open. The triple crown is hers. The difference this time, though, is that Sabalenka is just 26 years old and she has plenty of seasons ahead of her to become the all-time queen of Madrid.
Today’s was her fourth final in Madrid and last year was the only one where she failed to get her hands on the trophy. She was out for revenge and Coco Gauff was in the firing line. She leaves Madrid without having dropped a set, making her the first woman to do so since Kiki Bertens in 2019. Another record in the bag. Her relationship with the tournament is more than special, it’s a dream come true: “I feel like every year I come here I have more and more support. This year was incredible, every time I went out on court I could feel the support. It gives me energy and extra strength to fight, whatever happens. Seeing all the signs the kids are holding with my name on it is like a dream and it’s amazing to play in front of all those people and feel their support. I think it’s the best thing life can give you”, said Sabalenka.
A quick glance at the world rankings is enough to reveal the gulf between the three-time champion and her peers. Her win in the Caja Magica will take her to over 11,000 points on Monday, making her just the third player ever to surpass the mark after Serena Williams in 2013 (13,615) and Iga Swiatek last year (11,695). She is now 5,000 points ahead of the second-ranked Pole. In the Race she has a 1,500 point lead over Madison Keys, the second best player of the year and champion of the Australian Open. “I’ve worked all my life to be the best in the world. I’m so happy to be in this situation. It’s incredible, I don’t know how I’ve managed to do it. I think we’re doing things well and things are working. I hope they keep getting better and progressing. I’m very motivated right now”, concluded the world number one.
She has now played six finals this season in eight tournaments, time during which she has amassed 31 wins, and May has barely started. Just how far can Aryna go this season? Only time will tell, but one thing is for sure, she is not lacking drive: “Honestly, I think I can find that motivation within. The matches are very tough, but all my opponents really push me to work very hard for every point. Anyway, whenever I go out there, I have a lot of battles, it’s not easy to win any match. For example, now Iga’s not playing so well, but I know she’ll be back. I’m working for the future and trying to improve my game where I can so I’m ready for any challenge on court”.
The next challenge is the French Open. Her three titles on clay have come in Madrid, now it is time for her to take the next step in her career: “I have confidence in my game, I think I’m very close to doing something. I hope it’s something different. Honestly, I have more confidence in my game on clay. In the past I’ve had tough battles in the latter rounds of the tournament. I’ve been in the semifinals in Paris and very close to the final. I’m going there to compete and fight. Physically and mentally I’m ready to go for it”.
Meanwhile, Gauff’s first title in Madrid will have to wait. At 21 years of age, she could have become the tournament’s youngest champion, but Petra Kvitova will hold on to that honour for at least another year.
