In a thrilling finale, Brazilian tennis sensation Beatriz Haddad Maia claimed her maiden WTA 500 singles title at the Korea Open, defeating top-seeded Daria Kasatkina in a nail-biting three-set match. After a shaky start, Haddad Maia regained her composure to overcome Kasatkina 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, marking her first title of the year.
In their highly anticipated showdown, Kasatkina dominated the opening set, winning five consecutive games to take the lead in just 26 minutes. Haddad Maia struggled to find her rhythm, securing only nine of her 20 service points. However, the Brazilian fought back in the second set, breaking Kasatkina’s serve to level the score at 3-3. As the set progressed, Haddad Maia’s confidence grew, and she saved a crucial break point to take a 5-4 lead.
With momentum on her side, Haddad Maia broke Kasatkina’s serve again to secure the second set with a powerful forehand. The Brazilian’s transformation was complete in the deciding set, where she won 17 of her 22 service points and broke Kasatkina’s serve twice in a row to seal the victory.
After her triumphant win, the 28-year-old Haddad Maia expressed her desire to return to the Korea Open next year, having secured her fourth WTA singles title. Meanwhile, Kasatkina graciously congratulated her opponent, hoping for many more thrilling matches in the future.
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