WeeklySA_AdminHUGE YEAR: The only remaining obstacle for Aryna Sabalenka claiming a Madrid hattrick is the world number four American Coco Gauff
By Sports Reporter
Aryna Sabalenka is now just one match away from equalling Simona Halep and Petra Kvitova with three titles at the Mutua Madrid Open. On Thursday she defeated Elina Svitolina to secure her passage to Saturday’s final against Coco Gauff. 6-3, 7-5 against the Ukrainian, who was powerless against Sabalenka’s barrage. The triple crown is just one step away.
Sabalenka enjoys herself in Madrid, of that there is no doubt. The world number one relishes her every minute in the Manolo Santana Stadium. It is not without good reason Saturday will be her fourth final in the Spanish capital.
In the last match of the day she put on a masterclass of efficiency and reliability. She did not have her A-game with her, but she did not need it. The match was tense, balanced even, but she always had an extra gear when she needed it. Svitolina tried to ground out a path to her first final in Madrid, but Sabalenka was not having any of it.
The only moment when the three-time Grand Slam champion stumbled was on her first opportunity to close out the match.
With a 5-4 lead in set two, her forehand faltered and she dropped her serve. However, last year’s runner-up was able to gather herself and win the next two games.
It has been a joy to watch Aryna implement the drop shot in recent weeks, she has never been a great exponent of the weapon, but this fortnight she has been putting on a clinic.
Aryna is in the midst of a huge year. She has won all six semifinals she has played, as well as stringing together seven consecutive victorious WTA 1000 semis.
She is a tough nut to crack. Her loss in the Australian Open is the only blemish in a season in which nobody has won more matches than her (30).
The only remaining obstacle is the world number four. Coco Gauff will be doing everything in her power to stop her opponent from claiming a Madrid hattrick.
The American player leads their head-to-head 5-4. They are yet to play this year, with their last clash coming in the semis of the WTA Finals, when Coco was victorious.
The last time they crossed swords on clay was four seasons back, when Gauff also came out on top (Rome 2021). Get your popcorn ready, we’re in for quite the final on Saturday.
SPORTS Briefs
FERRARI SEEK MIAMI BREAKTHROUGH
After a short break, we’re gearing up for the action once again: the F1 Miami Grand Prix sets the stage for the second sprint weekend of the season, meaning fans can once again enjoy even more action. Last year, Lando Norris claimed his very first Formula 1 victory on this street circuit, a moment that many see as the turning point where McLaren gained the upper hand over Red Bull. The race in the United States promises to deliver plenty of excitement once again this year.
Ferrari have not hit the same heights in the five full-length races this season, with Hamilton’s struggles in the SF-25 particularly pronounced, although Charles Leclerc’s run to their first Grand Prix podium of the year last time out in Saudi Arabia did offer more promise.
LONDON M BREAKS WORLD RECORD
The 2025 London Marathon set a new world record for the number of finishers despite hot conditions on Sunday for its 45th edition.
A total of 56,640 runners crossed the finish line at the end of the 26.2-mile route, Guinness World Records has confirmed. The number surpassed the previous record of 55,646 set by the New York Marathon in November.
Hugh Brasher, chief executive of London Marathon Events, said he hoped the high number of finishers inspired people to apply for the 2026 race ballot. Ethiopia’s Tigst Assefa surged to victory in in a world record for a women’s only field, while Kenya’s Sebastian Sawe triumphed in the men’s race.
RUDIGER OUT FOR SIX
Real Madrid defender Antonio Rüdiger has been banned for six games for throwing an object at the referee during the Copa del Rey final against Barcelona on Saturday. In the match, which saw Barcelona defeat Real Madrid 3–2, Los Blancos had three players sent off. The culprits were Antonio Rüdiger, Jude Bellingham, and Lucas Vázquez.
According to a report from Sky Sports, Lucas Vázquez was handed a two-match ban for his protests against the officials: “For minor violence against the referees,” the report stated, “while Vázquez has been handed a two-match ban for his protests against the officials.”
PLEA FOR MOLOKOANE
While the SPAR Proteas are scheduled to play a three-Test series against the Silver Ferns in New Zealand later this year, it is what is going on behind the scenes at Netball South Africa that is of more concern.
Sowetan Live reports that the Limpopo Sports department has sent requests to World Netball to reconsider Cecilia Molokwane’s suspension
The 50-year-old Limpopo-born president’s suspension was confirmed by World Netball on April 21, citing allegations of misconduct and mismanagement, mostly to have allegedly been pressed by her former associates, who also accused her of racism and interference when players are selected.
