The title was the 21st of Świątek’s career, as the world number one sounded out a warning to her rivals ahead of this month’s French Open where she is a three-time champion.

Świątek broke Sabalenka twice in the first set where the Belarusian conceded 12 unforced errors in a lopsided start to the match. Sabalenka fought back, reaching five break points in a bid to lead 2-0 in the second, but Świątek held her own serve.

Sabalenka failed to break again with Świątek holding her nerve to save two break points on her next serve. The set progressed to 3-3 before the Pole broke again, in back-to-back games this time, ensuring her path to victory.

Świątek became the third tennis player in history to win in Madrid and Rome in a single season. This was done in 2009 by Russian Dinara Safina and in 2013 by American Serena Williams. Świątek previously triumphed in Rome in 2021 and 2022. The most titles in the Italian capital (five) are held by American Chris Evert.