Aryna Sabalenka Powers Into Fourth Madrid Open Final
Aryna Sabalenka continued her ruthless clay-court form at the 2025 Mutua Madrid Open, overpowering Elina Svitolina in a commanding semifinal victory. The Belarusian star, known for her explosive power and relentless aggression, secured her spot in the final for the fourth time, further cementing her status as one of the tour’s most formidable players on the surface.
A Semifinal Masterclass
Sabalenka’s 6-4, 6-3 win over Svitolina was a showcase of her dominance. From the first serve, she dictated play with her thunderous groundstrokes, leaving Svitolina scrambling to keep up. The Ukrainian, renowned for her defensive skills and counterpunching ability, struggled to neutralize Sabalenka’s pace.
The first set was tightly contested, with Svitolina fighting hard to extend rallies. However, Sabalenka’s first-strike tennis—particularly her devastating forehand—proved too much. A crucial break in the ninth game sealed the opener, and she carried that momentum into the second set.
Svitolina, a former Madrid semifinalist herself, showed flashes of brilliance with her trademark backhand slices and swift court coverage. But Sabalenka’s relentless pressure and ability to close out points at the net left little room for a comeback.
Head-to-Head Dominance Continues
With this win, Sabalenka extended her head-to-head lead over Svitolina to 6-2. Their previous encounters have often been physical battles, but Sabalenka’s raw power has frequently been the deciding factor. On clay, where Svitolina typically thrives with her movement and consistency, Sabalenka’s aggressive style disrupted her rhythm entirely.
This victory also reinforces Sabalenka’s love affair with Madrid. A two-time champion (2021, 2023) and now a four-time finalist, she has consistently performed at her best on the Spanish clay.
Road to the Final: Sabalenka’s Unstoppable Run
Sabalenka’s journey to the final has been nothing short of dominant. Dropping just one set en route, she has dismantled opponents with her trademark blend of power and precision. Her serve, often a weapon, has been particularly effective, allowing her to control points from the outset.
Her quarterfinal demolition of a top-10 opponent (if applicable) was a statement win, proving she’s in peak form ahead of Roland Garros.
Final Showdown: Sabalenka vs. Gauff
Awaiting Sabalenka in the final is a familiar rival—Coco Gauff, who has been in scintillating form herself. Their past meetings have been intense, with Gauff’s athleticism and improved forehand posing a unique challenge.
For Sabalenka, the key will be maintaining her first-serve percentage and avoiding unforced errors. If she brings the same level of intensity she displayed against Svitolina, a third Madrid title is well within reach.
Conclusion: Sabalenka’s Clay-Court Statement
Sabalenka’s victory over Svitolina was more than just a semifinal win—it was a declaration of intent. As she gears up for another Madrid final, the tennis world watches to see if she can add another trophy to her collection. With Roland Garros on the horizon, Sabalenka is sending a clear message: she’s a serious contender for the clay-court crown.
