Aryna Sabalenka ties two Serena Williams records with Madrid Open final win over Coco Gauff

Aryna Sabalenka continues to show why she is the World No. 1 in the WTA rankings, capturing the Madrid Open title with a straight-sets victory over Coco Gauff. The win not only underscored the Belarusian’s exceptional form but also saw her equaling two records held by the legendary Serena Williams.

Sabalenka defeated the American 6-4, 7-6(3) to claim her third title of 2025 and secure a three-peat at the Madrid Open. This victory also marked the 20th title of her career, further cementing her place among the sport’s elite.

With this triumph, Sabalenka became only the second player in the Open Era to win her first three clay-court titles at a Grand Slam, Tier I, or WTA-1000 event, a feat previously accomplished by Serena Williams.

Additionally, Sabalenka matched another record set by Williams, becoming just the second player to win three titles at two different WTA-1000 events since the format’s 2009 introduction, achieving the milestone at both Madrid and Wuhan.

Aryna Sabalenka celebrates victory against Coco Gauff of United States during the Women’s Singles Final Match on Day 12 of the Madrid Open. (Julian Finney/Getty Images)

Sabalenka reflects on her success

Sabalenka’s 2025 campaign has been extraordinary. The Belarusian has reached six WTA finals this year (Brisbane, Australian Open, Indian Wells, Miami, Stuttgart, and Madrid), winning three of them. After her Madrid victory, Sabalenka expressed her excitement about her current form and her determination to maintain it.

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“(Getting to six finals) sounds crazy, to be honest,” Sabalenka told reporters. “I work hard and I know that if I bring my game and if I fight for every point, I’m capable of that”.

“But to actually do it for real, I was like, okay, this is cool. This is … like a dream. I really hope that I’m going to keep doing what I’m doing and keep playing the way I’m playing right now,” she added.

What’s next for Sabalenka?

With her Madrid triumph in the books, Sabalenka now shifts her focus to the Rome Open, which begins Wednesday, April 7. Last year, she reached the final of this tournament but fell to then-World No. 1 Iga Swiatek. This time, Sabalenka will look to build on her stellar season and avenge last year’s loss.