MADRID – Aryna Sabalenka was in ominous form as she overpowered world number one Ash Barty 6-0 3-6 6-4 to win the Madrid Open on Saturday.
In claiming victory, the Belarusian gained revenge after being beaten by the Australian in the Stuttgart Open final a fortnight ago.
On a windy day in Madrid, Sabalenka’s first set shotmaking was nothing short of sensational as she combined her trademark big hits from the baseline with deft dropshots to leave the Australian reeling, serving it out inside 25 minutes.
The world number seven had not dropped a set coming into the final and after threatening to run away with the title, Barty finally broke her momentum by br…
Keep on reading: Sabalenka downs world number one Barty to claim Madrid crown