When opportunity presents, it’s best to take advantage. Making her way back after injury, Beatriz Haddad Maia is reminding us that she is not a one-dimensional player. Her game has matured, and she is playing with a sense of confidence no matter the score.

Alison Riske Missed A Golden Opportunity

Alison Riske went down an early break and spent the rest of the match playing catch up. On grass where things can change suddenly, that was not the best start for the American. Riske was also playing against an opponent who was playing power tennis and hitting winners from both sides. Often the American was a step too late and watched as the ball went by for another winner.

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Beatriz Haddad Maia Just Too Solid

Credit to Riske, who did not roll over after dropping the first set. The American came charging back in the second set. Yet, despite having all the momentum on her side, she could not sustain the level of play that won her the second set. The Brazilian was determined that victory would be hers. With the 6-4, 1-6, 6-3 victory, Haddad Maia claims her first WTA singles title on grass in Nottingham.

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Aryna Sabalenka Couldn’t Cross The Finish Line

Despite getting to the final and taking the lead in the first set, Aryna Sabalenka could not win the set. It is rather concerning that her game has become so patchy. In four previous matches, they were tied at 2:2 with Ekaterina Alexandrova winning their last match. Thus, Sabalenka knew she was in for a battle. All their matches have ended in straight sets, and today was no different.

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Ekaterina Alexandrova Played With Composure

It looked for all the world that the Belarusian would take the first set. She served for the set, but Alexandrova stepped up the quality of her play and broke back to even the set. She then broke again to steal the first set. In some ways, that was probably the end of the match. Sabalenka never regained her form. Ekaterina Alexandrova won 7-5, 6-0, claiming her second WTA singles title.

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