Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2020 WTA Abu Dhabi Women's Tennis Open, UAE
Aryna Sabalenka in the final of the 2020 WTA Abu Dhabi Women's Tennis Open, UAE | (Photo by Francois Nel/Getty Images)

ATP & WTA Tour Finals Round-up | Wednesday 13 January

  • WTA Abu Dhabi
  • ATP Antalya
  • AT Delray Beach
Finals Round-up – The first tournaments of the season are in the books – recap, quotes and results.

 

[table “ADPDAll” not found /]

 

WTA Abu Dhabi Champion – Aryna Sabalenka

Embed from Getty Images

Aryna Sabalenka made it three straight tournament titles in a row, starting where she left off last year. She swept past Veronika Kudermetova, who was competing in her first WTA final. She extended her career best streak now to 15 wins on the run to claim her ninth career WTA title.

She dominated from the outset, and any time it felt like Kudermetova was feeling her way back into the match, Sabalenka could rally to quell any resistance.

In her post match press conference, Sabalenka said: “In the first two games of her serve, I was trying to see what she was doing on her serve. Then, I don’t know, I just felt where she was serving, and I was just following my feelings, and it worked really well. I also put a lot of pressure on her in my service games.”

“I’m really proud that I was fighting no matter what,” she continued. “Some matches, I didn’t feel my serve, some matches I didn’t feel my forehand or backhand, but I would just keep fighting, finding my shots, and that this is what I’m really proud of, and really happy with this title.”

Singles Results – 13 January 2021
A Sabalenka [4] (BLR) def. V Kudermetova (RUS) 62 62

 

 

ATP Antalya Champion – Alex De Minaur

Embed from Getty Images

Things went considerably faster for Alex De Minaur in his claiming a fourth ATP Tour final. Just two games into the match Alexander Bublik was forced to retire. He had sustained an ankle injury in his semi-final against Jeremy Chardy, and despite extensive physiotherapy, he could not ready himself in time.

As reported by ATPTour.com, De Minaur said: “I knew I’d put in a great pre-season, I felt good and ready to compete. I gave myself the best possible chance to go deep in this tournament.

“I have got matches at the start of the year. I am very happy with my level. I got some quality wins and now I’m looking forward to returning to Australia, where I hope to have a good Aussie summer in front of a home crowd.”

 

Singles Results – 13 January 2021
A De Minaur [4] (AUS) def. A Bublik [8] (KAZ) 20 RET

 

Browse the Britwatch Sports Amazon Page for our latest Tennis equipment recommendations

 

ATP Delray Champion – Hubert Hurkacz

Embed from Getty Images

Hubert Hurkacz had a fight on his hands to claim a second ATP title, winning the season opener at Delray Beach. Sebastian Korda was quick off the mark, breaking Korda immediately but the Pole kept his patience and worked his way back into the first set.

Korda also had a lengthy medical timeout, as perhaps the strain of his great run this week took its toll, and from there it turned into one-way traffic.

As reported in ATPTour.com, Hurkacz said, after the match: “I was trying to focus on [the] things that I should do and to stay aggressive, because Sebastian is never going to hand me the match.

“Sometimes It’s even tougher when your opponent is not feeling 100 per cent well. He’s trying to focus on what he can do, and he can serve big and hit big shots from the baseline. So it was crucial for me to stay aggressive and get an advantage there.”

“The way [Korda] is playing, it will be amazing what he can achieve in the future,” Hurkacz added. “It’s too bad that he wasn’t 100 per cent fit today, but his game is there. I’m sure he’ll be holding many trophies in the future.”

 

Singles Result – 13 January
H Hurkacz [4] (POL) def. S Korda (USA) 62 63

 

 

Support Britwatch – Sign up to PBLC for free to support ongoing contributions from Britwatch Sports