WTA Linz Open 2020: Aryna Sabalenka wins her 3rd title of the year beating Elise Mertens in the final

WTA Linz Open 2020: Aryna Sabalenka wins her 3rd title of the year beating Elise Mertens in the final
Aryna Sabalenka (left) winning against Elise Mertens (right)

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka beats second seed Elise Mertens in the 2020 WTA Linz Open Final in straight sets by 7-5, 6-2. Despite a competitive first set, the Belarusian swept the floor in the second set to make her win look easy. It only took 1 hour 40 minutes for Sabalenka to win the title.

Despite leveling again and again, Mertens loses a close first set

Mertens fighting back

Sabalenka took an early lead in the first set, going up 2-0, only for Mertens to level it 2-2. The next four games were a classic back-n-forth, with Sabalenka leading 3-2 then Mertens clawing back 3-3, Sabalenka took the lead again to 4-3, but Mertens managed to come back again.

In the next game, Mertens took the lead for the first time going up 4-5. Sabalenka then took the set away from Mertens, beating her in the next 3 consecutive games to win this close set 7-5.

FS Video

Cake walk for Sabalenka in the second set

Aryna Sabalenka

After a nervy first set win, Sabalenka was not looking to take any chances in the second set. She began by taking a 3-0 lead early on. Mertens did fight back, but it never really looked like the game was slipping away from the Belarusian. She went on to beat Mertens 6-2. The comeback that the Belgian was looking for never came and Sabalenka ran away with her 3rd title of the year.

This title win ties Sabalenka with World No.2 Simona Halep for most title wins this year.

Also Read: Serena Williams to drop out of the top 10 rankings yet again, courtesy Aryna Sabalenka