Kiki Bertens dropped just four games in her 6-1 6-3 win over Elena Rybakina in just 74 minutes to win her second consecutive title at the St. Petersburg Ladies Trophy. Bertens has become the first player in the tournament’s history to successfully defend her title.
The Dutch player has won back-to-back editions of a tournament for the second time in her career after winning in Nurnberg in 2016 and 2017. She saved all five break points she faced, converted four of her eight break point chances and won 64% of her first serve points.
Bertens earned four breaks and never dropped her serve. She fended off four break points she faced in the second set.
Bertens earned a break in the fourth game of the second set to build up a 6-1 3-1 lead. She saved the last break point she faced to hold serve for 4-1. She won a hard-fought game at deuce to open up a 5-2 lead.
Bertens has won the 10th title of her career.
“I feel incredibly happy. It was a tough week. I did not know how I managed to win, but I am happy. The secret is to keep fighting. Thanks for the support guys. Thanks for my team. The victory is for you. Of course you will see me here”, said Bertens.
Bertens was drawn to play against Kim Clijsters at the Dubai Duty Free Tournament, but she has later announced her withdrawal from the tournament. Clijsters will face 2020 Australian Open finalist Garbine Muguruza, who was slotted into Bertens’ place in the draw.
Top seeds Shuko Ayoama and Ena Shibahara came back from losing the first set to beat Kaitylin Christian and Alexa Guarachi 4-6 6-0 10-3 in the final of the doubles tournament.
