Reuters
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World primary Iga Swiatek captured her fourth straight title of the 2022 season by beating Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 6-2 6-2 within the Stuttgart Open ultimate on Sunday, extending her profitable streak to 23 matches.
Swiatek, a former French Open champion, had breezed by way of the opening rounds of the WTA 500 claycourt event earlier than dealing with her largest check within the semi-finals, the place she battled again from a set down to beat Ludmilla Samsonova on Saturday.
The Polish 20-year-old confirmed little indicators of fatigue from that marathon conflict as she saved an early breakpoint and raced forward 3-0 earlier than holding agency and taking the opening set when third-seeded Sabalenka, final yr’s runner-up, double-faulted.
The pair had break up their earlier contests – in final yr’s WTA Finals and the Qatar Open in February – nevertheless it was the in-form Swiatek who excelled of their first claycourt assembly, dealing effortlessly together with her opponent’s large hitting.
The error-prone Sabalenka regarded to mount a comeback after a vital maintain of serve in the beginning of the second set however Swiatek switched gears to interrupt for a 4-2 lead and accomplished the victory when the Belarusian despatched a shot lengthy.
“It’s all the time tremendous robust enjoying in opposition to Aryna. We fought for each recreation and hopefully there are extra matches to come back,” Swiatek, who was given the keys to a pink Porsche Taycan automobile following her seventh profession title, stated.
“The final couple of days have been robust … I wish to thank my dad who lastly determined he’ll include me for tournaments. The environment on this enviornment was wonderful tdoay.”
Event debutant Swiatek’s success in Stuttgart follows her triumphs in Doha, Indian Wells and Miami, and makes her a agency favorite for Roland Garros beginning on Could 22.
