Coco Gauff showered Aryna Sabalenka with praise after falling in the Madrid Open final 3-6, 6-7. The world No. 4 had her chances to take the second set and extend her possibilities, but ultimately it was the Belarusian who played better in the important moments to secure her third trophy in Madrid.

The 2023 U.S. Open champion squandered a set point at 5-4 in the second set in the final against Sabalenka in Madrid. She lost 17 points in a row at one stage in the first set on the Caja Magica center court. Gauff had four more winners than Sabalenka, but also seven more unforced errors.

It figured to be more of the same at the start of Madrid. Dayana Yastrameska of Ukraine bageled her in the first set of their opening match, 6-0. Gauff managed to steady herself and survive that day, though it was dicey to the end, with Gauff failing to serve out the match on her first attempt.