National Bank Open—Canada
Monday’s action at the National Bank Open in Toronto, Canada featured defending champion Jessica Pegula retaining her title over fellow American Amanda Anisamova, 6-3, 2-6, 6-1.
Needing one hour and 27 minutes to prevail, Pegula won 79 percent of her first serve points, hit six aces and broke the serve of her taller opponent on four occasions.
Capturing the title in Montreal last year, Pegula now owns six career titles and improved to 17-2 at the Canadian Masters.
The Buffalo native will next see action at the Cincinnati Open in Mason, Ohio.
Anisamova, who was off the Tour last year dealing with her mental health, showed throughout the week that her game is in fact at an elite level.
Producing effortless powerful from both sides of the court, the 22-year-old will be ranked No. 49 in the world on Monday.
Pegula. who won her second title of the season, is currently ranked No. 6 in the world.
Popyrin Wins Montreal
Over in Montreal, No. 5 seed Andrey Rublev was defeated in straight set by an inspired Alexi Popyrin, losing 6-2, 6-4.
Using his world-class forehand and first serve to great effect, Popyrin struck 31 winners, won 84 percent of his first serve points and broke his Australian opponent on four occasions.
Dealing with up and down results all season, Rublev will now shift his focus to the hard-courts of Cincinnati.
The Russian also defeated world No. 1 Jannik Sinner in the quarterfinals.
Popyrin, who was playing in his first-career Masters 1000 final, improved his ranking to No. 23 in the world after this week’s efforts and will be seeded at the US Open later this month.
The Australian also secured his third career ATP Tour title.
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