SYDNEY: World No.9 Paula Badosa of Spain overcame a strong challenge from world No.4 Barbora Krejcikova, defeating the 26-year-old 2021 French Open champion 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) to claim the Sydney Tennis Classic title on Saturday.
This was the 24-year-old Badosa's third career WTA singles title, and the WTA 500 tournament triumph came in 2 hours and 22 minutes of closely-contested power tennis.
Badosa and Czech Republic's Krejcikova were the two biggest movers into the top-10 during the last season. Krejcikova started 2021 ranked No.65 and Badosa even lower at No.70. But both had career-best seasons to finish the year in the elite and earn spots at the year-end WTA Finals.
"I am super excited. After the level of this final, even more. Amazing week, amazing final. I'm very happy," Badosa was quoted as saying by wtatennis.com. (IANS)
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