Aryna Sabalenka defeats Iga Swiatek with impressive performance for second Madrid Open final win

Aryna Sabalenka continued her stunning 2023 form with an impressive win over world No. 1 Iga Swiatek in a high calibre top-two tussle that concluded with the Belarusian claiming the second Mutua Madrid Open title of her career.

No. 2 seed Sabalenka was the more aggressive player throughout the contest and deservedly upset the reigning French Open champion and clay-court specialist to prevail 6-3 3-6 6-3 in two hours and 25 minutes.

Ad It is the 13th title of Sabalenka’s career and her second on the red dirt, which sees her join an elite group of players to win Madrid more than once alongside Petra Kvitova (3), Simona Halep (2) and Serena Williams (2). ATP Madrid'Air of anticipation' — Spain counts down to Alcaraz and Swiatek Madrid Open finalsYESTERDAY AT 19:24 Sabalenka had added some pre-match spice by declaring a desire to gain revenge for her final defeat to Swiatek in Stuttgart just a fortnight earlier, and she was true to her word as she defeated her opponent on clay for the first time in four meetings to extend her tour-leading tally to 29-4 for the year so far.

The world’s top two players facing off regularly for the sport’s leading honours has been a rare sight on the WTA Tour recently with this being the first time since 2014 in Miami. Murray sees off Mayot to set up final with Tommy Paul in Aix-en-Provence Exclusive: Nadal can be ready in time for Roland-Garros but fresh injuries a concern — Corretja Exclusive: Borg back Alcaraz to be No.