Aryna Sabalenka wins Shenzhen Open
Saturday 5 January 2019 12:15, UK
Top seed Aryna Sabalenka gave herself a massive confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open by winning the Shenzhen Open final on Saturday.
Sabalenka, who capped off a breakthrough season last year with titles at Wuhan and New Haven, captured her first title of 2019 with a fine comeback win against Alison Riske 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3.
Both players had earlier won their semi-finals after rain disrupted the tournament schedule with Sabalenka defeating local favourite Wang Yafan 6-2 6-1, while Riske won the first seven games against Vera Zvonareva before the Russian retired due to a left hip injury.
In the final, the Belarusian's ultra-aggressive tennis proved the difference as she battled back to record a fine victory.
"To start the season with a title, it gives you more belief in yourself, and hopefully I can do well at the Australian Open," Sabalenka said.
"It was a tough day for us, especially to come back after the first set. She was putting everything in, down the lines - I'm so happy that I found a way how to win."
The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 14.
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