Ekaterina Alexandrova, ranked 30th in the world, secured her fifth WTA Tour title with a hard-fought 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Dayana Yastremska in the Linz final on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Russian, who had twice fallen short in the Linz final in the past six years, triumphed over the Ukrainian, ranked 72nd, in 2 hours and 13 minutes.
“This tournament has always been special for me; I really love playing here every time,” Alexandrova said on court. “Finally, I’ve made it to the end on my third attempt. I’m so pleased and happy, and this place will always be special and magical for me.”
Alexandrova dominated the first set, winning 6-2 in just 30 minutes. However, her 24-year-old opponent responded by taking the second set 6-3, setting up a thrilling decider.
Yastremska, who made a remarkable run to the Australian Open semifinals last year as a qualifier, carried her momentum into the final set and broke early. But Alexandrova battled back, and the two players were locked in a tense 5-5 stalemate. In the crucial moments, Alexandrova raised her level and sealed the win to claim the title.
AFP
