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Yulia Putintseva won the Hungarian Grand Prix on Sunday with a comprehensive 6-4, 6-0 win over Ukraine’s Anhelina Kalinina. The Kazakh broke Kalinina twice in the opening set but squandered one break after hitting two double faults.
However, the second break held her in good stead as she was able to take the lead in the match. In the second set, Putintseva dominated her opponent entirely. She didn’t face a single break point and converted three of the four break points she faced to claim the title.
Meanwhile, Kalinina’s loss also brought an end to her 14-match win streak that included title runs at the $60k Montpellier and $100k Contrexeville Challengers in France. Putintseva hit 17 winners to Kalinina’s 11.
The latter was troubled by 34 unforced errors which did her in, especially in the second set.
Hungarian Grand Prix: It's the Olympics next for Yulia Putintseva
This is Putintseva’s second career title. Her first, which came almost two years back at the Nuremberg Cup in 2019 was also on clay.
Speaking about her victory, post-win, Putintseva said, “I’m very happy to win my second trophy on clay”. Back then, too, she was the tournament top-seed. Following her run at the Hungarian capital, Putintseva will travel to Tokyo to represent Kazakhstan at the Olympic Games.
Talking about her participation at the event, which will be held on hard courts, Putintseva said, “I’m very confident right now, and I’m going to Tokyo with five wins behind my back. It’s very important.
I need to adapt quick for the surface because it’s going to be different, but I’m ready for anything”. Her title at the Hungarian Grand Prix also helped Yulia Putintseva gain seven places in the WTA rankings.
Previously ranked 42nd in the world, Putintseva rose to 35 in the singles rankings on Monday. Heading to Tokyo, she’s also on a five-match victory streak.