For the second time in a row, Aryna Sabalenka and Iga Swiatek will play in the Madrid Open final.
Last year, Sabalenka and Swiatek crossed paths in the final of this WTA 1000 event. It was a very good three-set match, which the Belarusian ultimately won. There was a lot of emotion in that match as we saw competitive excellence, and fans are hoping that we see it again.
There are some good indications for that because Swiatek has looked really good so far, winning matches easily. Sabalenka has had more trouble, but she was able to overcome all of that, much like she was able to overcome the Pole in last year's final.
Sabalenka has actually overcome Swiatek a few times over the year, but like most players, she found herself on the losing side more often than not. The overall H2H score between them is 6-3 for the world no. 1.
The problem is largely the matchup because Swiatek can hit as well as Sabalenka does, but she moves better than her rival. One way Sabalenka can beat Swiatek is by overwhelming her with her power, which can happen in quicker conditions like in the capital of Spain.
| Iga Swiatek | Aryna Sabalenka | |
| 6 | H2H | 3 |
| 1 | Rank | 2 |
| 22 | Age | 25 |
| 31-4 | 2024 W/L | 20-5 |
| 312-70 | Career W/L | 380-179 |
I don't think it will work out this year for Sabalenka because Swiatek will be hungry. She had last year as the big lesson and now will be better prepared for what the Belarusian can do in Madrid.
She also just performed far better this week, so she seems to be in better form as well, and the Pole will be also more rested, as Sabalenka's week has been really exhausting.
Prediction: Iga Swiatek to win in two sets.