Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open—ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES
No. 4 seed Aryna Sabalenka captured her third-straight title on Tour on Wednesday, defeating Veronika Kudermetova of Russia 6-2, 6-2 in Abu Dhabi. Needing a mere one hour and five minutes to claim her crown, Sabalenka’s offence was far too powerful for her unseeded opponent.
Striking five aces and winning 70 percent of her first serve points, Sabalenka broke serve on six occasions, while surrendering her own delivery twice. Notching her ninth career title, Sabalenka will move up to a career high of No. 7 in the world in next week’s rankings.
Kudermetova, who was playing in her first career final, dismissed No. 2 seed Elina Svitolina in the quarterfinals.
Sabalenka will enter next month’s Australian Open as one of the favourites.
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Delray Beach Open by VITACOST.com—Delray Beach, FL, U.S.A.
Hard-hitting Pole Hubert Hurkacz won his second career title on the ATP Tour on Wednesday, dispatching up-and-comer Sebastien Korda 6-3, 6-3. Requiring only one hour and eight minutes to seal his victory, Hurkacz struck four aces and won 71 percent of his first serve points. Proving that his experience was far too much for his younger opponent, Hurkacz also broke serve on four occasions.
Korda, who is trying to follow in the footsteps of his father Peter, ended his campaign with his head held high after dismissing John Isner and Tommy Paul earlier in the event. Korda will move to No. 103 in the world on Monday. A jump of 17 position after his finals performance.
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Antalya Open—Antalya, Turkey
Australian Alex de Minaur claimed his fourth career title on Wednesday in Antalya, Turkey, after his opponent Alexander Bublik was forced to retire with an ankle injury.
De Minaur’s work-ethic has always been his main strength, and his victory today only exemplified that effort. Defeating David Goffin and Nikoloz Basilashvili earlier in the event, De Minaur is currently ranked No. 18 in world.
Bublik, who was attempting to win his first-career title, fell to 0-3 in Tour finals.
