Aryna Sabalkina prepared for the Australian Open with a 6-3, 7-6(4) victory over Linda Noskova, a teenage Czech qualifier.
Sabalenka, a big-hitting player, had a slow start to this week’s WTA 500 event. However, she soon found her rhythm and was flying in the first set. She took control of rallies at the baseline to take the lead.
Noskova had defeated Ons Jabeur, the top seed, in the semifinal after beating Victoria Azarenka and Daria Kasatkina. Sabalenka then switched gears to take the second set.
Crosscourt champion Sabalenka set up three match points before Sabalenka, the world number 5, double-faulted. She then closed the contest with an explosive serve to win her first title in nearly two years. This was a major boost for the January 16-29 Australian Open.
“I am super happy to have another title. It was a great week. I enjoyed every moment in Adelaide. Sabalenka said that she was just thrilled with her performance, which marked the first time since Madrid, 2021 when Sabalenka won the title. I almost forgot what it felt like to hold the title.
After reaching round 16 in 2022, the Belarusian stated that she looked forward to this year’s Grand Slam.
Sabalenka stated, “I feel ready to give my best and ready for a big battle.” You never know what might happen. “I just want control over what I have and to do my best.”
American Coco Gauff won her title with a comfortable win over Rebeka Masarova, junior Roland Garros champion 6-1 6-1 at the rain-affected Auckland Classic final.
En route to her third career crown and the first since 2021 Parma, the top seed didn’t drop any sets all week.
Gauff stated, “It has been great.” “It was a wonderful week, despite all the rain. I couldn’t have asked for a better beginning to my season.”
Gauff stated that the victory was a great boost to her confidence for the Australian Open.
She said, “You don’t know what your first week will be like. It could turn out to be great or awful.” It’s been an amazing week.
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