Are two better: how Alexandrova won the title in Abu Dhabi

Ekaterina Alexandrova was unable to take a personal title at the centennial in Abu Dhabi. The Russian lost to qualifier and 101st racket of the world Sarah Bailek. The first set turned out to be very competitive, but in the second game the Czech did not leave any chances for the Russian. Alexandrova complained of shoulder problems, but reached the doubles final and won her first duet title since 2019 (then she and Vera Zvonareva won the trophy in Budapest).

The Czech sensation

The first seed of the Abu Dhabi tournament, Belinda Bencic, withdrew shortly before the opening match with Sonai Kartal and was unable to defend the title. In the absence of the Swiss, Ekaterina Alexandrova became the favorite of the tournament. However, a native of Chelyabinsk did not come to the UAE in a good mood. At three tournaments in Australia, Igor Andreev's ward won only one match in total (on January 6 against Sofia Kenin).

But in Abu Dhabi, Ekaterina showed very cool tennis. It all started with the defeat of Dayana Yastremskaya, and then Alexandrova left no chance for Alexandra Aela. It was hard in the semifinals. Ekaterina lost the first set to Hayley Baptiste (the American beat Lyudmila Samsonova and Emma Navarro), and in the second set she played a matchball on serve with the score 4:5. After that, there was a turning point in the match. The Russian won the tie-break and the deciding set. So Alexandrova became the most winning tennis player at the WTA 500 tournaments over the past year — 27.

— Before the start of the tournament, I didn't even think that I would play in the final, — admitted Alexandrova after the match. — In the second set, I really thought: "This is the end." I am incredibly glad that I was able to withstand two such heavy sets. It's an amazing feeling.

At the same time, Ekaterina also reached the final in doubles. In a duet with Maya Joynt, they knocked out the third Demi Schurs and Ellen Perez, and in the semifinals they beat Sofia Kenin and Desiree Kravchik in a hard-fought fight. However, the decisive match of the pair in this situation was of secondary importance.

The main thing was to win against Sarah Bailey, who became the main sensation of the Abu Dhabi tournament. The 20-year-old Czech representative qualified, and then beat the experienced Ashlyn Krueger, Elena Ostapenko, Sonai Kartal and the third seed Clara Towson in turn.

It took three sets only with Danish Beylek, the rest of the competitors were beaten in two games. Therefore, it was obvious that Alexandrova would have a difficult time. And so it turned out. In the first set, the rivals exchanged breaks, and after that, the Russian regularly experienced problems on her serve. Sarah was good at a lot, if not everything. The Czech made a lot of winners, exhausting her opponent with strong punches from the back line. As a result, Beyonce confidently took the tie-break. It should be noted that during the game, Alexandrova asked for a medical break and complained of shoulder problems.

During the break, Alexandrova again sought medical help. And it was not possible to return to the previous level of tennis. Ekaterina lost the second game in all respects and extended the series of defeats in the finals. She has lost the last four matches at this stage. Alexandrova won her last title a year ago at a tournament in Linz.

For Beylek, this is the first title of her career. Next week, Sarah will make her debut in the top 40 - she is currently 38th in the live ranking. Previously, her highest position was 75th place. Alexandrova will return to the top 10.

Take to the court: what to expect from Alexandrova and Samsonova in Abu Dhabi

Our top tennis players have already made it to the quarterfinals of the prestigious tournament.

A couple for a couple

An hour after the defeat, Ekaterina had to play the doubles final against fourth-seeded Teresa Mikhalikova and Olivia Nicholls. Against the background of the injury, there were doubts that Alexandrova would even play in the second match of the day. However, the Russian decided not to let her partner down.

In the first set, it was felt that Ekaterina was very tired and could not maintain a high tempo. Yes, they led 2-0 at the start, but then they couldn't take any of their pitches.

Alexandrova and Joint also started the second set 2-0, but their opponents quickly regained their balance, which was no longer disturbed. Moreover, Ekaterina and Maya subsequently missed break points twice. Nevertheless, in the tiebreak, the Russian-Australian duo used the very first setball - 7:6 (7:5) in 1 hour and 1 minute.

In a tie-break of up to 10 points, which is held instead of the deciding set, it began to rain with the score 4-3 in favor of Mikhalikova and Nicholls. The forced pause was just under an hour. After the resumption of the game, Alexandrova and Joint brought the matter to victory by using the third matchball.

The final lasted almost two and a half hours. For both tennis players, this title became the second doubles title at the WTA level. Alexandrova rose by 14 places and became 38th in doubles. The joint is one line higher.