By Chris Oddo | @TheFanChild | Sunday February 2, 2025
The Russian captured her fifth career title and finally raised the trophy at Linz with a win over Dayana Yastremska.
Photo Source: TTV
In her two previous finals at Linz, losses to Camila Giorgi in 2018 and Jelena Ostapenko in 2024, Ekaterina Alexandrova had only managed a cumulative nine games.
On Sunday against Dayana Yastremska she pulled 16 – and won her first Linz title, and fifth overall. Alexandrova defeated the Ukrainian 6-2, 3-6, 7-5, rallying from 3-0 down in the decider, then 40-0 down with Yastremska serving at 5-5 in the third before clinching the title on her fifth championship point.
“It was a really tough match today for us,” the Russian told the crowd. “This week was amazing, it was so special, the atmosphere – everything was great for us. Thanks to my team who was here with me struggling on court and off court. It was quite difficult.”
30th-ranked Alexandrova claims her first career since 2023 ‘s-Hertogenbosch, and her first hardcourt title since 2022 Seoul.
“This tournament was always special for me -- I really love playing here every time -- and now, finally, I can make it to the end at the third time," Alexandrova. "I'm super pleased and happy, and this place is going to be special and magical for me all the time.”
More to follow…