Monday 28 February 2022

Stephens 1st title since 2018

Final day in Guadalajara.

2022 Abierto Akron Zapopan a WTA 250 tournament, on Hard Solflex, in Guadalajara, Mexico, 21-27 February 2022.
Event held last year from 6-13 March 2021.

Defending champion:
Sara Sorribes Tormo (4) who defeated wildcard Eugenie Bouchard 6-2 7-5


Final:


Sloane Stephens (6) (USA) v Marie Bouzkova (Czech Republic)


The players had met once before - Toronto 2019 - Bouzkova as a qualifier won in straight sets against Stephens when the American was in the top ten.

Bouzkova was contesting her third final, and looking for a first title. Her last final was in Melbourne, February 2021, losing to Daria Kasatkina.

Stephens was in her 10th final, hoping for a seventh title, her most recent Miami, March 2018. Her last final was in October 2018, where she lost in the WTA Finals to Elina Svitolina.


Bouzkova opened proceedings with a love game on serve, sealing it with a forehand winner.

Stephens comfortably levelled.

Bouzkova had 40-0 in game three, but Stephens fought back to deuce. A double fault and Bouzkova faced break point.

Saved when Stephens went long with a forehand. Two big first serves, one an ace, gave Bouzkova the game.


Stephens faced two break points after errors from both wings. 

A superb backhand lob winner from Bouzkova produced the break and a 3-1 lead.

Serving at 4-2, Bouzkova had 30-30, but netted a backhand, giving Stephens a break back opportunity.

A wonderful point from Stephens, finished with a forehand winner, was rewarded with the break, and games were back on serve.


Serving at 5-5, Bouzkova netted a backhand, then put another backhand long. 0-30.

Stephens’ return was wide, then Bouzkova hit a winner following a quality serve. 30-30.

Still, Stephens was given another chance when the forehand of Bouzkova found the net.

Deuce after a Stephens backhand landed long.

A failed backhand and double fault from Bouzkova presented Stephens with the break.


Stephens served out the set 7-5.


In game two of set two, Stephens was 0-30, then forced to deuce.

Break point was faced after Stephens netted a backhand.

Avoided when Bouzkova netted a forehand.

A second break point saved with a Bouzkova mishit.

A third chance for Bouzkova created with a vicious backhand giving Stephens no hope of a decent shot.

Stephens hit a forehand wide and Bouzkova led 2-0.


A swift consolidation by Bouzkova for 3-0.

Stephens saved a break point in the fourth game, and held for 1-3.


Bouzkova broke Stephens in the sixth game and would serve for the set at 5-1.

The Czech player served it out 6-1 and a third set was required.


Bouzkova saved two break points in the second game of the decider, and levelled at 1-1.

She saved another in the fourth game. 2-2.

Stephens led 3-2 after saving a break point.


After leading 40-0 in the sixth game, Bouzkova was eventually broken, and Stephens led 4-2.

The sixth seed consolidated for 5-2.


At 2-5 and 30-30, Bouzkova double faulted, giving Stephens a match point.

The American hit a forehand winner to take the match.


Sloane Stephens won 7-5 1-6 6-2, winning her first title since 2018.

No comments:

Post a Comment