Sabalenka wins Madrid Open; Zverev reaches final

Aryna Sabalenka defeated top-ranked Ash Barty 6-0, 3-6, 6-4 for her 10th WTA title — and first on clay — on Saturday at the Madrid Open.

In the men’s final on Sunday, 2018 champion Alexander Zverev will face eighth-seeded Matteo Berrettini.

Sabalenka’s victory will move the Belarus player to No. 4 in the world next week.

“To be honest, after the final in Stuttgart I was injured, I couldn’t even move, I really wanted to withdraw from here,” she said. “And I don’t know how, but my team … the recovery was really good. In four days they made me feel much better. Somehow I’m here standing as the champion of this tournament.”

MOTOR SPORTS Allgaier claims Xfinity race

Justin Allgaier held off JR Motorsports teammate Josh Berry in overtime to win the Xfinity Series race at

Darlington Raceway.

Allgaier didn’t move in front until the final 10 laps, when he passed Berry for the lead. Then the race’s eighth and final caution five laps later set up the two-lap overtime shootout that Allgaier claimed for his first win at the track nicknamed “Too Tough To Tame.”

“This place is truly special,” said Allgaier, 34.

PRO HOCKEY

NHL relaxing virus protocols

The NHL is relaxing virus protocols during the playoffs for teams that reach a threshold for vaccination.

The league sent a memo to teams and players Friday night outlining changes that take hold once 85 percent or more of the traveling party has been fully vaccinated.

The changes include loosened restrictions on indoor and outdoor dining, testing frequency and mask-wearing and quarantine requirements. The league had maintained strict COVID-19 rules since the start of the season and added more protections in February.