J&T Banka Ostrava Open: Aryna Sabalenka thrashes Victoria Azarenka to win 7th WTA title

Aryna Sabalenka won the first all-Belarusian WTA final over former World No.1 Victoria Azarenka to win her seventh career title at the J&T Banka Ostrava Open in straight sets 6-2, 6-2.

Since Roland Garros, this was the first match for both Sabalenka and Azarenka. Azarenka, Western & Southern Open winner and runner-up at US Open, was phenomenal en route to the finals in Ostrava. After dropping the first set in her opener against Barbora Krejcikova, the two-time Grand Slam champion won six straight to reach her third and final in as many months.

Aryna was close to crashing out of the tournament. Twice on the brink of defeat, rallying from a 5-2 down in deciding set against Coco Gauff. In another match, she won the final 12 games against Sara Sorribes Tormo after losing the first 10.

Sabalenka carried her momentum early against Azarenka. The match began with an exciting rally and soon broke at love to grab the final’s first big lead. Finally, converting the third championship point, Sabalenka sealed the seventh title. She is due to partner Elise Mertens in the upcoming doubles final against Gabriela Dabrowski and Luisa Stefani.

Also Read: “My ego was smaller” – Victoria Azarenka gets past Serena Williams at US Open 2020