Aryna Sabalenka Wins First Madrid Open Title

Sabalenka Defeats Swiatek in Three Sets

Unnerving Composure Leads to Victory

MADRID, Spain (AP) — Iga Swiatek avenged her loss in last year's final to Aryna Sabalenka and won the Madrid Open on Saturday after a third-set tiebreaker. World number one Iga Swiatek saved three championship points to beat world number two Aryna Sabalenka 7-5, 4-6, 7-6 (9-7) and win her first Madrid Open title. The Pole had been a break down in the third set but fought back to win the match in three hours and 13 minutes.

Sabalenka, who won her first Grand Slam title last year at the Australian Open, had a chance to serve for the match at 5-4 in the third set but Swiatek broke back to level the score. Swiatek then saved three championship points in the tiebreaker before eventually winning the match on her fourth match point.

"I'm really happy to win my first Madrid Open title," said Swiatek. "It was a tough match, but I'm glad I was able to come back and win." Sabalenka was gracious in defeat, saying, "Iga played a great match. She's a great champion and I'm happy for her." With the win, Swiatek extends her winning streak to 10 matches and improves her record to 22-3 this season. She will now look to win her second Grand Slam title at the French Open, which begins on May 28.