Iga Swiatek topped Aryna Sabalenka to take the Madrid Open women’s title, while Andrey Rublev won the men’s crown on Sunday.
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IGA SWIATEK TOPS SABALENKA FOR MADRID OPEN TITLE IN REMATCH
Swiatek got back at Sabalenka, 7-5, 4-6, 7-6(7), to win her first Madrid Open title in a rematch of last year’s final.
The world No.1 outlasted the world No.2 after a third-set tiebreaker to collect her third title this season and 20th career trophy overall.
Swiatek needed three hours and 11 minutes in the longest Women’s Tennis Association final so far this year.
“Who is going to say that women’s tennis is boring now? Congrats as well to Aryna, because we both had an amazing effort today,” Swiatek said.
“It’s always a challenge playing against you, so thank you for motivating me and forcing me to be a better player,” the Polish player told her finals opponent.
RUBLEV WINS MADRID OPEN MEN’S TITLE OVER AUGER-ALIASSIME
Rublev, like Swiatek, also needed three sets to complete a 4-6, 7-5, 7-5 victory over Felix Auger-Aliassime to claim the men’s title.
The 26-year-old Russian won it after Auger-Aliassime double-faulted on the last point of their finals matchup.
Rublev won his first Madrid Open title but second Masters 1000 title after topping the Monte Carlo Masters last year.
Auger-Aliassime later gave credit to Rublev for winning it all.
“Very deserving winner. Congrats to you (Rublev) and your team. I tried ’til the end. You’re a great player,” Auger-Aliassime said.
“We always have a good time on tour. Very deserved and well done,” he added.
The Canadian reached the final after watching world No.2 Jannik Sinner withdraw due to an injury in the quarterfinals.
Auger-Aliassime’s opponent in the semifinals, Jim Lehecka, also retired in the first set.
SINNER WITHDRAWS FROM ITALIAN OPEN, UNSURE OF FRENCH OPEN
Sinner, meanwhile, withdrew from the Italian Open due to an injured hip and remains unsure for the French Open.
The world No.2 will miss playing before his home fans as Italians have anticipated his stint for the first time in decades.
Sinner said: “it’s not easy to write this message but after having talked with doctors and specialists again about my hip problems.”
The Italian noted that he will only play in the French Open if he is fully recovered from his injury.
“At Roland Garros, I’ll only play if I’m 100%, if there’s any doubt we have to see,” he said.
“Now, I’ll have a period without playing… we need to see how to work from next week onwards.”
The year’s second Grand Slam tournament unfolds on May 26.
