Aryna Sabalenka produced a dominant efficiency to defeat American Jessica Pegula within the Miami Open last with a 7-5 6-2 win.
Sabalenka made the best begin with a break of Pegula’s serve to guide 2-0 however the American, who ended the dream run of Britain’s Emma Raducanu within the quarter-finals, hit again by successful three video games in a row.
Nevertheless, Sabalenka got here again to guide 5-3 just for the Belarusian to falter attempting to serve out the set, permitting Pegula to stage as soon as extra.
The American, who had misplaced six of her earlier eight conferences with Sabalenka, was susceptible on serve, although, successful solely one in every of 10 factors on second serve throughout the opening set, and a seventh break of the competition gave the highest seed the benefit.
Sabalenka nonetheless didn’t appear utterly settled and he or she dropped serve once more to begin the second set however she knew the facility stability was very a lot in her favour.
The assumption started to ebb away from Pegula as Sabalenka reeled off 4 video games in a row, and a last backhand down the road earned her the trophy.
Sabalenka didn’t drop a set all through all the match and it’s her second title as world No 1, having additionally received the Brisbane Worldwide in January.
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Aryna Sabalenka was overjoyed after beating Jessica Pegula as she received the Miami Open for the primary time
Sabalenka misplaced out to Madison Keys within the Australian Open decider and teenager Mirra Andreeva at Indian Wells two weeks in the past however proved too sturdy for fourth seed Pegula in Florida.
“I’m speechless,” Sabalenka advised Sky Sports activities.
“The last couple of finals were really tough and tight and close ones for me so going into this one I was so focused on myself. I was playing point by point and now it feels super special. I’m super happy with the title. First one in Miami.”
There was disappointment, in the meantime, for British duo Julian Money and Lloyd Glasspool within the males’s doubles last, with prime seeds Marcelo Arevalo-Gonzalez and Mate Pavic claiming a 7-6 (3) 6-3 victory.
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