The third iteration of Tie Break Tens, a fast-paced exhibition event, took place in Madrid on Thursday night.
Simona Halep won the women’s final by beating Svetlana Kuznetsova 10-6, and Grigor Dimitrov won the men’s championship with a 10-7 win over Feliciano Lopez.
The event’s headliner, Maria Sharapova, made a first-round exit, losing to Olympic gold medalist Monica Puig.
More background: Tie Break Tens Guide
Round 1
Svetlana Kuznetsova d. Madison Keys 12-10
Keys looked strong on her serve and forehand, but she got broken twice on missed backhand volleys, which ended up costing her the match.
Grigor Dimitrov d. Dan Evans 14-12
It was an inconsistent showing from both players, but Evans was the sloppier of the two. Still, the Brit nearly mounted an impressive comeback; he was down 2-8 at one point and managed to bring the score to 12-12.
Agnieszka Radwanska d. Garbiñe Muguruza 10-5
Unlike Evans, Radwanska completed her comeback. Muguruza got off to a 5-1 start, but Radwanska then won nine consecutive points.
Fernando Verdasco d. Lucas Pouille 10-6
The Madrid native breezed passed the world No. 14.
Simona Halep d. Johanna Konta 10-2
The 2014 French Open finalist steamrolled over the 2017 Miami champion.
Tomas Berdych d. Jack Sock 12-10
Sock took some massive cuts on his forehand, but not all of them paid off.
Monica Puig d. Maria Sharapova 10-6
Sharapova showed flashes of the greatness that got her five Grand Slams, but she was ultimately outplayed in the nine-minute mini match.
Feliciano Lopez d. Stan Wawrinka 10-1
The biggest name in the men’s draw fell behind 0-6 heading into the changeover. Lopez’s domination then continued to complete the breadstick.
But first… lemme take a selfie! pic.twitter.com/DfJyNcpYKD
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) May 4, 2017
Semifinals
Kuznetsova d. Radwanska 10-6
Kuznetsova straight-up outhit Radwanska, who has had a disappointing 2017 so far by her standards.
Dimitrov d. Verdasco 10-8
Dimitrov overcame an early deficit to put away the local favourite.
There it is. Grigor Dimitrov books his place in the mens #TB10Madrid Final with a huge booming ace. Certainly kept his eyes on the prize. pic.twitter.com/d0uZ2GPfX5
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) May 4, 2017
Halep d. Puig 10-5
Halep advanced to the final with a forehand winner.
Halep just loves the #CajaMagica! She cruises past Monica Puig to set up a final against Kuznetsova! #TB10Madrid pic.twitter.com/JsCHVIyCfU
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) May 4, 2017
Lopez d. Berdych 10-8
Berdych committed a crucial double fault up 8-7, handing the Spaniard the break he needed to win the match.
Sveta’s chill-level is through the roof again pic.twitter.com/GEHNVNNr7l
— Jimmie48 Photography (@JJlovesTennis) May 4, 2017
Finals
Halep d. Kuznetsova 10-6
Kuznetsova fell apart midway through the match, and in this unforgiving format, that was all enough for the Romanian needed to run away with it.
Simona Halep you are just too good on clay! Unbelievable stuff all evening to become the first EVER women's #TieBreakTens CHAMPION! pic.twitter.com/xgBKR0FG7y
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) May 4, 2017
Dimitrov d. Lopez 10-7
Dimitrov’s dominant spot serving and soft touch allowed him play the entire tiebreak from ahead to win the trophy.
The deftest of deft touches from Grigor Dimitrov! Pure class. pic.twitter.com/pKNNhoWHHj
— Tie Break Tens (@tiebreaktens) May 4, 2017
