World number one Iga Swiatek wasn’t happy after being defeated in the Madrid Open final on Sunday morning by Aryna Sabalenka.
Sabalenka claimed her second Madrid Open title in three years as she toppled her top-ranked rival for the first time on clay.
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The Belarusian had lost her three previous meetings against the Polish superstar on clay, but prevailed 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to capture the title in the Spanish capital.
“It’s something unbelievable. I’m really happy that I’m able to fight against her and I’m able to get this win so it’s not like so super boring for people to watch our matches,” said the champion.
“I really enjoy playing on clay, because I have extra time. It’s not super fast, so I can go for my powerful shots. There are longer rallies. It’s like not just bomb, bomb.”
The big-hitting Belarusian gained revenge for defeat at the hands of her rival in the Stuttgart final a fortnight ago with a thrilling triumph to end Swiatek’s nine-match winning streak ahead of her French Open defence.
After two hours and 25 minutes, Sabalenka celebrated her victory but it was Swiatek who stole the limelight as she delivered a clip to tournament organisers during her runners up speech.
The 21-year-old hit out at the Madrid Open scheduling that saw her finish multiple games after midnight in the lead up to the final.
“It’s not fun to play at 1am though,” she said.
“I’m happy anyway I was able to get past this experience and survive and be in the final.”
The remarks didn’t sit well with tournament director Feliciano Lopez who looked supremely unhappy about what he’d just heard. Tennis fans however loved the moment.
Two-time Roland Garros winner Swiatek fought her way back into the match after an explosive start by Sabalenka, but the second seed came back strongly in the third set to win the first WTA 1000 final featuring the top two ranked players since 2014.
Sabalenka earned her 13th career title, and only her second on clay in two hours and 25 minutes, clinching victory on her fourth championship point with a forehand crosscourt winner.
“I’m just super happy with this win, especially against Iga on the clay, it’s always tough matches against her,” added Sabalenka.
The Australian Open champion started with great intensity in her serve and forehand, given some extra zip because of the altitude — Madrid is the second highest European capital city.
Sabalenka earned two break points but sought a winner too keenly to convert and Swiatek held for 3-3.
She did the same again on Swiatek’s next service but this time earned the break for a 5-3 lead when the top seed sent a backhand long.
The 2021 Madrid victor consolidated to clinch the first set, her first ever against Swiatek on the dirt, having lost in straight sets in their three previous clay clashes.
– With AFP