Aryna Sabalenka makes it a ‘perfect end to the season’ with nine wins a row and Linz title

WTA Tour
Aryna Sabalenka pleased

Aryna Sabalenka saw off the challenge of Elise Mertens to win the Upper Austria Ladies Linz trophy for back-to-back titles.

The world No 10, who won the title in Ostrava a fortnight ago, held off a strong performance from her doubles partner Mertens in the first set before running away with things for a 7-5, 6-2 win.

The opening set was a topsy-turvy affair as Sabalenka broke in game two only for Mertens to hit back immediately. The Belgian then edged ahead with a break in game nine before the top seed to draw level again in the next game.

The crucial break came in game 12 before Sabalenka cruised in the second set with two breaks.

“This is something amazing,” the Belarusian, who won her third WTA Tour title of the season, said. “I don’t want to say anything, and just cross my fingers so more wins come to me.

“This is the perfect end to my season, so I can be happy and relaxed for my holidays and pre-season. I’ll keep working to make sure I can maintain this level next season.”

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Aryna Sabalenka Elise Mertens

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