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Ekaterina Alexandrova was triumphant in being able to defend her title at the Libema Open. The fourth seed bounced back from a set and break down to beat the top-seeded Veronika Kudermetova, 4-6, 6-4, 7-6(3) after nearly three hours.
Alexandrova also had to deal with rain delays, too, as Kudermetova raced away with the opening set and also secured a break in the second. However, Alexandrova was able to regroup and get the break back before rain forced stoppage of play for the second time.
When play resumed, the match had shifted thoroughly in Alexandrova’s favour. A second break on Kudermetova’s serve in the 10th game gave Alexandrova the chance to level the match. In the decider, it was the world no.
26 who had three match points across two separate games, first in the 10th and then in the 12th, on Kudermetova’s serve. However, Kudermetova did well to push the set into the tie-break. In the tie-break, Alexandrova was able to convert on the first of three match points she generated.
Libema Open: Dutch glory for Ekaterina Alexandrova
Post winning the tournament, Alexandrova shared, “It was such a joyful moment to be here again. But I’m also really tired because it was such a difficult match, and a long day overall.
I just needed to really leave everything on the court. If [I didn't win], great for her, she played amazing, but at least I’d know I did everything I can. In the end, it finally paid off, and it feels amazing. Difficult matches like this, when it’s really tough, and really even, I think it’s really good matches for you to learn (from).
Especially a tiebreak in the third set, you need to stay focused and calm. It’s such a good lesson, and I think it’s going to give me huge experience from that”. The 2023 Libema Open title’s the fourth WTA title Ekaterina Alexandrova’s won in her career.
Following this result, the 28-year-old went up four places in the WTA ranking to the 22nd place. Meanwhile, Kudermetova who was ranked 10th in the world, lost three places and is now ranked 13th in the world. Photo Credit: Libema Open Twitter