World No. 30 Ekaterina Alexandrova clinched her fifth WTA Tour title with a battling 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 victory over Dayana Yastremska in the Linz final on Sunday.
The 30-year-old Russian, who had previously fallen short in two Linz finals over the past six years, triumphed over 72nd-ranked Ukrainian Dayana Yastremska in a gripping 2-hour, 13-minute battle.
“This tournament has always been special to me. I love playing here every time, and now, finally, I managed to go all the way on my third attempt,” Alexandrova expressed on the court.
“I’m absolutely thrilled and happy. This place will always remain special and magical for me.”
Alexandrova dominated the opening set, securing it 6-2 in just 30 minutes. However, her 24-year-old opponent responded strongly, taking the second set 6-3 to force a decider.
Yastremska, who made a stunning run to the Australian Open semi-finals last year as a qualifier, carried her momentum into the final set, securing an early break.
Alexandrova, however, fought back, keeping the contest evenly poised until 5-5, when she raised her level to seize control and claim the title.
