TOKYO: Russia’s Liudmila Samsonova gained her third title in 4 tournaments by beating China’s Zheng Qinwen 7-5, 7-5 within the ultimate of the Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo on Sunday.
The red-hot world quantity 30 triumphed in Washington and Cleveland in August and she or he produced a string of giant-killing upsets within the Japanese capital on the way in which to a different title.
Samsonova beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza and didn’t drop a set all week.
Quick-rising teenager Zheng was showing in her first WTA ultimate after knocking out high seed Paula Badosa within the second spherical.
The 19-year-old went toe to toe with Samsonova in a decent match however had her service damaged late within the first set to let the Russian take management.
Each gamers traded breaks halfway via the second set however the decisive second got here when Samsonova took a 6-5 result in serve for the match.
The 23-year-old calmly picked off her opponent within the ultimate recreation and sealed the deal when Zheng hit a return large.
Samsonova’s win got here after a number of huge names made early exits from the event.
US Open semi-finalist Caroline Garcia of France joined Badosa in a second-round exit, whereas Japanese residence favorite and defending champion Naomi Osaka withdrew with stomach ache.
The event was being held for the primary time since 2019 due to the pandemic.
The red-hot world quantity 30 triumphed in Washington and Cleveland in August and she or he produced a string of giant-killing upsets within the Japanese capital on the way in which to a different title.
Samsonova beat Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina and two-time Grand Slam winner Garbine Muguruza and didn’t drop a set all week.
Quick-rising teenager Zheng was showing in her first WTA ultimate after knocking out high seed Paula Badosa within the second spherical.
The 19-year-old went toe to toe with Samsonova in a decent match however had her service damaged late within the first set to let the Russian take management.
Each gamers traded breaks halfway via the second set however the decisive second got here when Samsonova took a 6-5 result in serve for the match.
The 23-year-old calmly picked off her opponent within the ultimate recreation and sealed the deal when Zheng hit a return large.
Samsonova’s win got here after a number of huge names made early exits from the event.
US Open semi-finalist Caroline Garcia of France joined Badosa in a second-round exit, whereas Japanese residence favorite and defending champion Naomi Osaka withdrew with stomach ache.
The event was being held for the primary time since 2019 due to the pandemic.
