MADRID/STARNBERG, May 4, 2024
World No. 1 Iga Swiatek clinched her first Mutua Madrid Open title in a spectacular fashion, saving three championship points to defeat defending champion Aryna Sabalenka from Belarus 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7) in the longest WTA Tour final of the season.
The thrilling encounter at the Caja Magica on Saturday evening surpassed the three-hour mark, culminating in Swiatek’s remarkable comeback victory after three hours and 11 minutes of play.
#1GA ➡️🏆🇪🇸@iga_swiatek secures her 20th career title on the Hologic WTA Tour!#MMOPEN pic.twitter.com/jZMjXVjE0V
— wta (@WTA) May 4, 2024
Swiatek claimed her 20th career title and her third of the season. At just 22 years old, the Polish sensation has become the youngest player to achieve 20 WTA titles since Caroline Wozniacki in 2012.
“Aryna, to many more finals. Always a challenge playing against you, so thanks for also motivating me and forcing me to be a better player,” Swiatek said during the trophy ceremony.
Sabalenka got the better of Swiatek last year at Madrid in three sets for the first win over her rival on clay. The two-time Australian Open champion was seeking a record-tying third crown in the Spanish capital.
