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.

World No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka won a record-equaling Madrid Open title on Saturday, defeating the USA’s Coco Gauff 6-3, 7-6 (3) in the final.

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.