Stunning display from Aryna Sabalenka as she beats Ashleigh Barty in Madrid Open final
Aryna Sabalenka turned the tables on Ashleigh Barty to win the Madrid Open title.
Two weeks ago, Barty came from a set down to defeat Sabalenka in the final of the WTA event in Stuttgart, and it looked as if history would repeat itself when the world number one assumed the momentum going into the deciding set here.
But Sabalenka, one of the biggest hitters on tour, powered her way through the final three games for a 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 triumph and a 10th career title.
It is Sabalenka’s first clay-court title, and the 23-year-old said of her new-found comfort on the surface: “I would say before I was too much thinking about the clay court, that this is a surface not for me.
“My focus is just on my game, that I have to stay aggressive, that I have to move well on the clay court, make sure I can hit these shots really clean, heavy shots. Just something changed in my mind for the clay court for this year. I’m not really scared of this surface any more.”
https://twitter.com/WTA/status/1391097620920209410?s=20
Barty had not lost a match on red clay for nearly two years since before she won her maiden grand slam title at Roland Garros in 2019.
She had no answer to the power of her Belarusian opponent in the first set here, though, as Sabalenka produced the shots that have seen her tipped as a future slam champion for several years.
Sabalenka appears closer to that than ever now and she will hit a new career-high ranking of four on Monday.
Just as impressive as her first-set dominance was the way she recomposed herself after her level dropped in the second set, refusing to let Barty engineer her way to another title.
The Australian praised her Sabalenka, saying: “She takes the ball out of my court and essentially takes the racket out of my hand when she serves the way she did in the first set. I gave her a few too many looks on second serves. She’s able to dominate and take that away from me.
“There wasn’t much in it. I think I had two or three break points in that third set. She had the same. She grabbed her opportunity, I didn’t grab mine. It’s a pretty fine line.”
Follow us on Twitter @T365Official and like our Facebook page.
Latest
-
NewsAndy Murray braced for tough time watching Scotland game in all-English bubble
The former world number one will be with his coaching staff at Queen’s when the two countries face off at Euro 2020.
-
NewsAndy Murray admits he has been telling himself each match could be his last
After completing a routine 6-3 6-2 victory – his first singles win on home soil in 1084 days – Murray became tearful in his courtside interview.
-
Kevin Palmer‘Each match could be my last’ – Andy Murray holds back the tears after comeback win
Andy Murray did his best to contain the well of tears after his win.
-
NewsAndy Murray overcome by emotion as he makes winning return to Queen’s Club
Murray was playing first singles match on grass since 2018.
-
NewsDan Evans eyes ‘a few more wins’ at Queen’s Club after ending his long wait for a win
It was the British No 1’s first win at the venue since 2014.
-
WimbledonGary Neville unimpressed by double standards that will allow bigger Wimbledon crowds
Decision to allow increased capacity at Wimbledon sparked claims of double standards.
-
Wimbledon‘Fresh, clever, calm’ Novak Djokovic favourite to win Wimbledon and US Open, according to Mats Wilander
Novak Djokovic “looks scary good and motivated”, says Mats Wilander.
-
ATP Tour‘My Wimbledon goals are high, they have to be high, or I wouldn’t be playing,’ says Roger Federer
“The season starts around now,” says Roger Federer.
-
Kevin PalmerExclusive – Ex-British No 1 admits Andy Murray is not in control of his own destiny this summer
Andy Murray will return to the scene of some of his greatest triumphs.
-
WimbledonWimbledon finals to be played in front of capacity stadium after change in guidelines
Wimbledon officials are preparing to welcome bigger than expected crowds.