The 2024 WTA Tour Madrid Open witnessed defending champion Aryna Sabalenka’s remarkable comeback against Elena Rybakina to secure her place in the final. Sabalenka defeated Rybakina in a thrilling match, winning 1-6, 7-5, 7-6 [7/5] to set up a rematch against world number one Iga Swiatek in the final. Swiatek also showcased her dominance by defeating American Madison Keys comfortably with a 6-1, 6-3 victory, setting the stage for an exciting final showdown.
In the men’s draw, third seed Daniil Medvedev retired from his quarter-final match against Jiri Lehecka due to an injury. Rybakina initially dominated Sabalenka in the first set but faced stiff resistance in the second as Sabalenka fought back to level the match. The game took a dramatic turn as Sabalenka managed to break Rybakina’s serve to force a deciding third set. Despite a close battle, Sabalenka emerged victorious, sealing the win with a powerful serve in the tie-break.
Sabalenka expressed her gratitude for the hard-fought victory, acknowledging Rybakina’s talent and the intensity of the match. Swiatek, on the other hand, maintained her exceptional form by securing a comfortable win against Keys, entering her 11th WTA 1000 final. With an impressive record against Sabalenka, Swiatek will look to assert her dominance in the final after losing to Sabalenka in the previous year’s final in Madrid.
The men’s competition saw Medvedev’s unfortunate injury retirement, resulting in Lehecka progressing to his first Masters 1000 semi-final. Felix Auger Aliassime also advanced to the semi-final after top seed Jannik Sinner withdrew due to a hip problem. The upcoming semi-final matchups promise intriguing battles, with Taylor Fritz set to face Andrey Rublev in one of the semi-final clashes. Medvedev expressed uncertainty about the extent of his injury, raising concerns about his participation in the upcoming Italian Open and French Open.
As the Madrid Open progresses towards its exciting conclusion, tennis fans can anticipate thrilling matches between the top players in both the men’s and women’s draws. Sabalenka, Swiatek, Lehecka, and other rising stars will aim to make their mark in the tournament and set the stage for a captivating final showdown. With intense competition and unexpected outcomes, the Madrid Open continues to showcase the resilience and skill of the world’s best tennis players, captivating audiences worldwide.
