LO 2022: ‘The whole week was fantastic’

Ekaterina Alexandrova was very happy after winning the title at the Libéma Open 2022. The week began with difficulty for the 27-year-old player, but the end could not have been better. A 7-5 6-0 victory over Aryna Sabalenka yielded WTA title number two.

‘After the first round I really didn’t think I could win the final. I didn’t hit the ball well then. I was happy to get through the first match!’

After that first match, against Dayana Yastremska, Alexandrova did not give away another set during the week. Not even against the strong number one of the ranking in the final, of whom she has won three times now.

‘She is so difficult to play against. Aryna hits very hard and has an incredible service. I found the right rhythm and could return well. The key to victory was breaking her serve. When I managed to do that, it gave me a lot of confidence.’

The award ceremony, with a role for Kiki Bertens, was simultaneously comical and emotional. Losing finalist Sabalenka initially grabbed the winner’s trophy. Once she had the right bowl – and the microphone – in her hands, the number six of the world wiped away a tear.

‘It was very beautiful. Aryna is a great player and a beautiful person,’ Alexandrova said afterwards about the ceremony and her opponent. ‘I wish her all the best. It won’t be her last final, because she is going to win a lot of prizes.’

It is clear that Alexandrova is leaving the Netherlands with her head held high and a lot of confidence.

‘The whole week was fantastic. To be able to leave the tournament with the bowl means a lot to me,’ said the number thirty of the world, who said she would like to return next year to defend her title.