Elise Mertens was in Linz in her second final of the year. Earlier she lost in Prague to the Romanian top player Simona Halep (WTA-2).
The game started well for Sabalenka, who immediately cut off Mertens’ first serve. But our compatriot fought well back into the game and also got her chances to finish the set.
But after more than an hour of tennis, it was the Belarusian who won the game. Sabalenka’s aggressive attack beat Mertens’ mentally strong defense: 7-5.
In the second set it was clear that Sabalenka had gained confidence and Mertens immediately had to hand in her serve. Sabalenka’s machine was running at full speed and with a mighty serve she forced her doubles partner with her back to the wall.
Mertens, as we know her, continued to fight for every point, but to no avail. With a convincing 6-2 win, the number 11 in the world won set 2 to her name.
For Sabalenka it is her fifth WTA title of her career, which means she is keeping up with Mertens. Our compatriot has already won five WTA titles herself with the tournaments in Doha (2019), Hobart (2017 and 2018), Lugano (2018) and Rabat (2018).
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