In a cat-and-mouse chase, the winner is the one who never gives up! To elaborate more on this line, we need to travel to the iconic Manolo Santana Stadium in Madrid. Before the 2024 Madrid Open, Aryna Sabalenka needed to reach at least the finals of this tournament to secure her number 2 spot from ‘The American Bald Eagle.’ In the SF, Sabalenka was trailing by 1-6,4-5 against Elena Rybakina. But who would’ve thought that ‘The Tiger’ would later pounce on its prey and snatch a 1-6,7-5,7-6(5) victory?

With this win, Aryna Sabalenka has not only inched closer to defending her title in Madrid but also gave a major blow to Coco Gauff’s hopes. A defeat in the SF for Sabalenka would have put Coco Gauff straight in the line to replace her at the number 2 spot. The Belarusian has now not only secured her 650 ranking points by reaching the finals but also has a chance to grab 1000 points if she wins the final on Saturday. Currently, Aryna Sabalenka sits at the number two spot with 7498 points while Coco Gauff is in third place with 7313 points.

Coco Gauff had a disappointing campaign at the Madrid Open this year. She got defeated by her compatriot, Madison Keys by a 6(4)-7,6-4,4-6 margin in the R16 of the tournament. A better result in Madrid would have put her in a favorable place in this chase of climbing up the ladder. It’ll be interesting to see if she can make a comeback in the rest of the tournaments and improve her rankings before the end of this season.

Now Aryna Sabalenka is “super excited” to face Iga Swiatek yet again in the finals of the Madrid Open. She said, “I mean, it’s going to be a great final. We had so many great matches with Iga. Always tough battles. I’m super excited for this final. Once again, I’m going to do everything to get this win.“

Fasten your seatbelts for the battle of number 1 versus number 2 in the WTA singles rankings. After securing the second spot, Sabalenka is eyeing closing in her gap for the top spot. She’s enjoying the battle of the WTA’s “Big 3“.

Aryna Sabalenka snubs Coco Gauff and names the “Big 3” in women’s tennis

During the post-match press conference, Aryna Sabalenka said that she is working hard in her training. And making sure she goes through tough moments in the practice courts or in fitness sessions. “[I’m] always thinking I have to keep working, keep improving, keep getting better. Make sure that I’m getting better. And that I’m going to get closer to this No.1 position and I’m going to put a little more pressure on top players,” Sabalenka. But who are those top players according to her?

Sabalenka highlighted how Iga Swiatek and Elena Rybakina have always pushed her to reach her best level. “So that’s always there. It’s good. I like it. That’s why I like you call three of us ‘Big 3’. Because I feel like we are motivating each other and we kind of give each other a hard time. And always have to keep working hard and keep searching for things.“

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Given how close Gauff has come to Saba’s position, is it an intentional diss or an honest mistake? Who knows!

Share your thoughts on the “Big 3” in women’s tennis.