Sabalenka claims back-to-back titles to end 2020 season
BELARUSIAN Aryna Sabalenka has capped off a promising second half of 2020 to win back-to-back titles to finish the year and secure a top 10 spot. Since a disappointing second round exit at the US Open, Sabalenka has a 14-2 record, including a nine-game winning streak on her way to titles in both Ostrava Open and most recently, Upper Austria Ladies Linz.
The world number 11 who has finished the year inside the top 10, defeated second seed and doubles partner Elise Mertens in straight sets, 7-5 6-2. Sabalenka has always been inconsistent over the past couple of years, going from the unbelievably great to the head-shaking bad, but since being 6-0 4-0 down against Spanish qualifier Sara Sorribes Tormo in the quarter finals of Ostrava, Sabalenka has only dropped one set, and claimed 15 of a possible 18 sets only requiring 10 games or less.
“This is something amazing,” Sabalenka said post-match after defeating Mertens. “I don’t want to say anything, and just cross my fingers so more wins come to me. “This is the perfect end to my season, so I can be happy and relaxed for my holidays and pre-season. “I’ll keep working to make sure I can maintain this level next season.”
With the Linz title, Sabalenka drew with Simona Halep for the most 2020 titles, claiming her third for the season, and eighth of her career which have all come in the past three years. In the final, Sabalenka’s serve was not perfect, serving seven double faults for only three aces compared to Mertens’ three of each, though he was able to scramble better off her second serve, winning 41 per cent of her points compared to 27 per cent. She also dominated when her first serve went in 60 per cent of the time, winning three quarters of her points whilst Mertens won 60 per cent. She saved six of eight break point opportunities, and took control in the second set, breaking five of 10 times for the match.
“The first set was really tricky,” Sabalenka said. “There were lots of ups and down, but she was playing well. I led with a break but she kept fighting for every point. There was always pressure, and we were putting pressure on each other, so it was hard to strike a balance.”
“At Grand Slams, I would think about how big they are, and put a lot of pressure on myself,” Sabalenka said. “I’ll try not to do that again, and know that everything I have to do is just go on court, bring my level, and give everything I have. “That’s what I’ll focus on, on what I can control. “Before, I would try to control everything, and overthink too much. Clearly, that wasn’t working.”
The Linz title dislodges Serena Williams from the top 10 with the Belarusian moving into 10th, whilst Mertens leapfrogs Marketa Vondrousova into the top 20.
Picture: Jimmie 48/WTA
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