Iga Swiatek reigns supreme in Madrid as battles past Aryna Sabalenka in one of the closest matches of the year. The world number one saved match points en route to her victory in the final, taking the deciding set in a tiebreak.
Not many matches are bigger than the ones where the top two seeds fight it out in the final of a big tournament, which has become a rarity now with everyone producing quality tennis. Today’s match exceeded expectations and Aryna Sabalenka, who was clearly the underdog on clay courts, dropped the first set 7-5.
Iga Swiatek slammed the critics after her title win (Via IMAGO/X)
There are many who believe women’s tennis is not as interesting or intense as the men’s side of the game, but matches like these show otherwise. After the match, Iga Swiatek also took a jab at these audiences who criticize women’s tennis, asking them if they still find it boring.
Who’s gonna say that women’s tennis is boring?Iga Swiatek to critics of women’s tennis during post-match interview
It is worth noting that, although, Sabalenka made her way back in the second set, a defiant Swiatek brought her A-game in the final set.
Iga Swiatek reached a milestone after an exhilarating third set
The final set was the most exciting of the three. It took well over an hour with intense points and nothing separating the two warriors.
The tiebreak was no different, comprising sixteen points with the top seed emerging victorious. In the end, Iga Swiatek took the win 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) and all the emotions could be seen as she fell to the floor and wept in joy.
It is in times like these that fans wish players could have the privilege to agree to a draw. With this win, Swiatek has reached the milestone of 20 career titles. She also extends her lead to 7-3 in the head-to-head record against Sabalenka.
