Final:
Astra Sharma (Australia) defeated Ons Jabeur (1) (Tunisia) 2-6 7-5 6-1
After being overwhelmed in the first set by the solid ground strokes and variation from Jabeur, together with excellently timed drop shots, Astra Sharma looked likely to end up as another straight sets victim of the top seed.
However, a determined Australian stuck to her game plan, and the match developed into an even struggle in set two, Sharma able to better read the shots from Jabeur and use her pace to advantage.
A frustrated Tunisian dropped serve in the fourth game, but was able to break back immediately, and with both players then holding serve relatively comfortably until the twelfth game, it was Jabeur serving at 5-6 40-15, appearing set for a tie break.
Not to be as Sharma won four successive points to tie the match 2-6 7-5.
Sharma broke for a 2-0 lead in the decider, and Jabeur returned the favour, but Sharma was definitely having the better of most of general play.
Jabeur was slowing and Sharma proceeded to win the next four games, winning the match and the title.
Astra Sharma won the 2021 MUSC Health Women’s Open, her first WTA title, in her second final.
Sharma has been ranked as high as #85, but she entered this tournament #165. She moves up to #120 with the victory.
Of more currency, she moves up 70 spots to #44 in the 2021 WTA Race,
Ons Jabeur moves up two places to a career high ranking of #25, but is still waiting for her first WTA title, having now lost two finals.
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