The terrific run of Anastasija Sevastova in Beijing came to an end as Caroline Wozniacki (2) claimed the WTA China Open title in emphatic fashion 6-3 6-3, breaking the Latvian four times throughout the match, and saving seven break points on her own serve.
This was Wozniacki’s second title in Beijing, eight years after her first, and her 30th title overall.
Three trophies now for 2018, which include a major and a premier mandatory. Naomi Osaka is the only other player to have grabbed one of each.
Wozniacki has firmed her grip on the world number two spot and she has hit top form at the right time, with her defence of the WTA Finals in Singapore not far away.
Sevastova has jumped eight spots to a new career high of 12, three better than her previous best.
The ATP title in Beijing was denied top seed Juan Martin del Potro, in one of the biggest upsets of the Asian circuit.
Georgian world number 34, Nikoloz Basilashvili won his second ATP 500 title of the year (and career) in straight sets, 6-4 6-4, over the US Open runner-up, who was obviously playing with an illness.
However, that shouldn’t detract from the performance of Basilashvili, who withstood 11 Argentine aces, and saved all seven break points afforded del Potro.
Nikoloz will rise 11 places to a new career high ranking of 23, eight better than previous.
The Japan Open in Tokyo could have been a fairy tale win for Kei Nishikori (3) had it not been for the excellent tennis played by Daniil Medvedev. The Russian qualifier out pointed Nishikori in all facets, but especially the serve, where he won 25 of 27 points on first try and 13 of 16 on second delivery.
The Japanese serve was broken three times and Medvedev had only one break point to defend, which was done easily.
The third title of 2018, the second as a qualifier, will lift Medvedev to 22 in the rankings, the highest Russian, surpassing Karen Khachanov.
No comments:
Post a Comment