World number one Aryna Sabalenka said her sensational form this year is “like a dream” after defeating Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (7/3) on Saturday to win her third Madrid Open title. Last year’s runner-up cruised past the American,

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.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka overcame a second-set fight by fourth seed Coco Gauff to secure a 6-3 7-6 (3) win and clinch her third Madrid Open on Saturday as the three-time major winner claimed her third title this year on the WTA tour.