Iga Swiatek won the Madrid Open 2024 title after 3 hours and 11 minutes of epic battle against rival Aryna Sabalenka. Swiatek saved three match points to earn her first title in Madrid. This was the 3rd time they faced each other in a final. Iga Swiatek said in her championship speech ” Aryna! It is always challenging playing against you, Thanks for motivating me to be a better player”.
She added: “I want to thank my team, my family who is watching, my sponsors, and to everyone who always supported me”. “I am too tired, O my God! It is always a pleasure to be back in Madrid. I’ll be already looking forward to next year”.
This was the first final between them that had reached a final set of Tiebreaks. At the age of 22, Swiatek has secured victory in every major clay court event on the WTA tour, a remarkable achievement she has earned.
This triumph marks the 20th career title for Iga Swiatek, three of which were clinched this year.
In the opening set, Swiatek’s incredible returns in the final games proved decisive. However, Sabalenka started with fierce determination, grabbing an early break by capitalizing on Swiatek’s second serve. Despite Swiatek’s impressive returns, Sabalenka’s strong serving kept her narrowly ahead. At 5-4, Swiatek gave it her all, breaking for the set with a spectacular running forehand winner.
As they entered the final set, both players were fighting tooth and nail, fully aware that only their absolute best would be enough. Swiatek managed to claw her way back from a 3-1 deficit, only for Sabalenka to pull off a remarkable hold from 30-0 down when the score was tied at 4-4, even firing down a second serve ace at a crucial moment.
With Sabalenka pushing ahead and earning match points on Swiatek’s serve at 6-5, the Pole remained steadfast, saving both without hesitation to push the match into a tie-break. On Swiatek’s first match point at 6-5 in the tiebreak, Sabalenka delivered an ace with precision and power.
Aryna Sabalenka said, ” I’m anyway I’m happy with the level I played, with the effort I put into this match and this week um so yeah it’s a lot good things to take out of this tournament and I think I’m leaving Madrid with the positive thoughts”.
She added “I enjoyed it and I played some roller coasters against you, your matches can be a classic in the future also. Wow! that’s a big question that’s just the thing I want to see I want to see many more finals against Iga Swiatek.