Iga Swiatek’s victory over Aryna Sabalenka in the Madrid Open final will be remembered as one of the greatest women’s matches of the Open era.
On the verge of failure, Swiatek saves three points and wins title Defeating defending champion Sabalenka in an incredible three-set matchup between the top two players in the world.
The match lived up to expectations, becoming the longest confrontation between the two Grand Slam champions at 3 hours and 11 minutes.
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Colin Fleming and Anne Keothavong give masterclass on Swiatek and Sabalenka’s forehand
Swiatek acknowledged that neither player deserved to lose, and Sabalenka’s performance was arguably the best of her career. However, when the final point was played, world number one Swiatek held up the championship trophy on the confetti-strewn court.
“Who would say women’s tennis is boring these days?” Swiatek said in an on-court interview on Spanish television.
During a press conference, the Polish star elaborated on her comments and explained that fans can learn a lot from the women’s game.
“Well, I think, obviously if we have to play against one guy, we’re going to lose the game. That’s not the point. The point is how two players play against each other. So I think we can have a good game,” the 22-year-old said said the year-old player.
“I’m number one but I see these girls in the top ten and we can have such a fierce battle. I think it all comes down to the emotion it brings to people and I don’t think that’s the level of tennis you should compare to. But you should compare what it gives you when you watch it, and I think people can get a lot out of watching women’s tennis, and it can be funny and touching.
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Iga Swiatek – Aryna Sabalenka (Official Video) Iga Swiatek – Aryna Sabalenka (Official Video)
talking sky sports tennisAnne Keothavong, England’s Billie Jean King Cup captain, was in awe of what she witnessed after the final, saying: “The quality they showed over three hours was amazing. It was High quality stuff.
“It was a brave performance from both players.
“This was one of the best games I’ve ever seen from the sidelines. High quality, high drama.
“This is a very difficult match to predict, even before they take the field. They are very competitive and before the match we want to know how much Sabalenka has left in the tank because she is here to compete. Almost every game is within a distance of each other.
“Iga showed so much fighting spirit, so much desire, they all wanted it. They threw it all away and that’s what you want to see.”
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Swiatek reflects on her tough Madrid Open final against Aryna Sabalenka and what winning it meant to her
Tournament director Feliciano Lopez was amazed by the quality shown by Swiatek and Sabalenka on the court, calling it an “amazing match”.
The Spaniard said: “Not only was it the longest match in the history of the tournament, it was also the best. It was a hell of a match, everything was full of drama, great tennis and what we are all about in tennis. The greatest competition you can encounter.
“It’s great to be able to sit in the front row and witness such an exciting game.
“Sabalenka was probably the favorite but Swiatek held on and she waited for her chance and I think she deserved it because she fought until the end.”
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Confetti cannons caught Iga Swiatek and the Sky Sports Tennis team off guard as Swiatek lifted the trophy at the Madrid Open!
Former player Colin Fleming thought it was “brave” for Swiatek to save three championship points before taking his chance.
“Svatek’s shots were just inches from the baseline, but they both came out with the goods in pressure situations,” he said. “We love Swiatek’s emotion. She puts on a poker face and doesn’t give anything away no matter what.”
The world number one will take the lead at Inter Milan this week in Italy as the journey to Roland Garros, the second Grand Slam of the year, continues on Swiatek’s beloved clay.
The four-time Grand Slam champion is already looking ahead to Rome and focused on capturing her third title.
“I feel like I deserve two months off after a match like this,” Swiatek told the WTA’s official website, “but I can’t do that.
“So I’ll change it to six tiramisu or something.”
Social media reaction to this incredible final
A bright new era for women’s tennis
Raz Mirza, Sky Sports
Swiatek and Sabalenka provided a stellar performance across all divisions of women’s tennis in Madrid on Saturday night, showcasing the sport’s current strength through established names and storylines
Two of the world’s best players used precision, power, speed and a never-say-die attitude to deliver a once-in-a-lifetime final that left fans baffled by what they had just witnessed.
Coco Gauff and Elena Rybakina form the “Big Four” of a bright new era in women’s tennis.
What’s coming to Sky Sports Tennis?
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Discover all the ways to watch tennis on Sky Sports, including the US Open, ATP and WTA Tours
Ahead of the second Grand Slam of 2024 – the French Open at Roland Garros on May 26 – you can watch all of tennis’s biggest stars in action sky sports live When they play during the clay court season.
- Internazionali BNL d’Italia in Rome (ATP and WTA Masters 1000) – May 7-19
- Geneva Open (ATP 250) – May 20-26
- Lyon Open (ATP 250) – May 20-26
- Strasbourg International (WTA 500 w/Emma Raducanu) – May 20-2
- Morocco Open (WTA 250) – May 20-26
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