Image Source: BadmintonPIanet.com
Aryna Sabalenka Creates History with Third Madrid Open Title
World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka dominated her way to a 6-3, 7-6(3) win over Coco Gauff in the Madrid Open women's singles final, earning her third title at the highly respected tournament and her third WTA title of the 2025 season. Sabalenka, the first player-male or female-to have won three tour-level titles this year, also won earlier in Brisbane and Miami, adding to her advantage at the top of the WTA rankings.
The last, on Saturday at La Caja Mágica, was won by Sabalenka early on, taking 17 points in a row and breaking Gauff twice in the first set. Gauff, the US Open champion in 2023, launched a gallant fightback in the second set, saving several break points and taking the contest into a tiebreak. But Sabalenka's nerve under pressure was what ultimately won her the match as she sealed victory with a double fault from Gauff, equalling Petra Kvitova's record for the most Madrid Open titles (three).
Sabalenka now has 20 career titles and has reached six finals in 2025 alone, highlighting her dominance on the tour this year. "It was a really tough match. At the end of the second set it was really intense and I was very emotional. I am happy I was able to handle my emotions," Sabalenka stated after the victory.
China Sets Up Sudirman Cup Final Showdown with South Korea
China, the defending champions, made it to their 16th straight Sudirman Cup final with a 3-0 sweep of Japan in the semifinals in Xiamen. Composed of world No. 1 Shi Yuqi and Olympic champions Huang Dongping and Chen Yufei, the Chinese squad is now poised to capture a record 14th Sudirman Cup.
China will take on the Republic of Korea in the final, a re-match of the 2023 championship encounter. South Korea made it through after beating Indonesia in a closely contested match, which will be followed by yet another nail-biting encounter between two badminton giants.
Sources: The Olympic Games, Yahoo, Tennis.com, Sky Sports, India Today
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