Swiatek too strong for Sabalenka in marathon final

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Poland's Iga Swiatek returns the ball to Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus during the Madrid Open final. (AP PHOTO)

Iga Swiatek, the world No 1, has squeezed past Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 4-6 7-6 (9-7) in a gripping Madrid Open final to win the title for the first time in what was a repeat of last year's summit clash at the WTA 1000 claycourt tournament.

Sabalenka, the double Australian Open champion, had won the 2023 final in three sets but it was her Polish opponent who triumphed this time after saving three championship points to secure her 20th career title and deny the Belarusian a third title on the red clay of the Spanish capital.

The match was the first contest of the season between the top two in the women's rankings and it lived up to expectations, going down as the longest encounter between the two Grand Slam champions at three hours and 11 minutes.

"It is always a challenge playing against you Aryna, so thanks for motivating me and forcing me to be a better player, Swiatek said on court afterwards.

"Thanks to my team for sticking with me through ups and downs. I hope we are going to continue progressing."

Sabalenka paid tribute to Swiatek's efforts, saying: "Congrats on another great tournament Iga, you are doing an incredible job and hopefully next year it (title) goes to me. It was a great match and a long one, hopefully we will recover well for the next tournament."

Swiatek will seek her fourth French Open title later this month as the two-time defending champion at Roland Garros.

Australian Associated Press