Alexandrova wins in ‘s-Hertogenbosch

Final day in ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

2022 Libéma Open, a WTA 250 tournament, on Grass, in ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands, 6-12 June 2022.

The tournament was not held in 2020 and 2021 due to COVID-19.

2019 champion (not defending):

Alison Riske who defeated Kiki Bertens (1) 0-6 7-6(3) 7-5

Final:

Aryna Sabalenka (1) v Ekaterina Alexandrova (7)

The four previous meetings between the pair were split 2-2, with Alexandrova winning the most recent clash in Moscow - October 2021.

Alexandrova had won a single title from her three finals before this one - Shenzhen, January 2020.

Sabalenka had won ten titles from sixteen finals, the most recent Madrid in May 2021.

Sabalenka served first and saved a break point before holding.

Alexandrova saved one break point in the sixth game, but couldn’t save a second, and Sabalenka led 4-2.

A double fault from Sabalenka in the next game gave Alexandrova a break back point, and when Sabalenka netted a forehand, games were back on serve.

Facing two break points in the eighth game, Alexandrova delivered an ace and a deep second serve. She held for 4-4.

Serving at 4-5 to stay in the set, Alexandrova levelled comfortably, an ace and net winner included.

At 15-40, Sabalenka received a forehand return winner from Alexandrova, who led 6-5 and would serve for the set.

15-15 after a double fault. 40-15 and two set points after two good serves unable to be returned into court.

A winner at the net following another excellent first serve, and Alexandrova took the set 7-5.

Sabalenka was broken to love in the opening game of set two, the final point a stunning Alexandrova backhand winner down the line.

Alexandrova consolidated with solid serving, surrendering only one point.

Sabalenka faced two break points at 15-40 in the third game and saved them both, one with a forehand winner.

Another break point wasn’t saved when the top seed hit a backhand wide, and Alexandrova led 3-0.

Alexandrova led 30-0 in the fourth game, but was taken to deuce.

An ace and a Sabalenka unforced error ended the game and extended the advantage to 4-0.

Brilliant returning from Alexandrova contributed to another break of the top seed to love, and the Russian would serve for the title.

A forehand winner from Sabalenka wasn’t enough to prevent Alexandrova from moving to match point.

However, nerves cost the seventh seed, and she faced a break point. This was saved, and eventually a second match point was reached.

An ace sealed the deal.

Ekaterina Alexandrova won her second title defeating Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 6-0.