Madrid Open 2024: Rafael Nadal notches straight-set victory over American teenager to march into second round
Samsonova's impressive winning streak continues as she heads towards the US Open
Liudmila Samsonova secured a second title in August by triumphing in Cleveland, a welcome lift for the Russian player ahead of the US Open.
Liudmila Samsonova headed off to the US Open with a second successive title in the bag after sweeping to victory on Saturday at the Tennis In The Land tournament in Cleveland, Ohio.
The Russian scorched to a 6-1 6-3 demolition of Belarusian Aliaksandra Sasnovich, extending her winning streak to 10 matches after winning the Citi Open earlier in August.
Samsonova rolled past the in-form Bernarda Pera for the loss of just three games in the Cleveland semi-finals, before imposing a similarly commanding display on the trophy match against seventh seed Sasnovich.
Just nine places in the world rankings separated the two finalists heading into the final, with Sasnovich at number 36 the higher-placed player, but she could not cope with an opponent who did not lose a set all week.
Indeed, Samsonova only dropped 18 games across five matches, the 23-year-old tying up a third career title on the WTA Tour. Sasnovich has now lost all four of her finals.
At Flushing Meadows, Samsonova begins her campaign against Czech world number 194 Sara Bejlek and could face last year's runner-up Leylah Fernandez in round two.
Both Samsonova and Sasnovich have to play as neutrals for now, being unable to perform under the flags of their home countries because of Russian and Belarusian involvement in the ongoing invasion of Ukraine.
Samsonova said of Saturday's win: "We made a special final. We were both without the flag, so it's special.
"I think it's important to spend a minute to say we are very good people."
(Except for the headline, this story has not been edited by Sports Tak Staff and is published from a syndicated feed.)
Popular Posts
FIR lodged against Indian tennis player for morphing girl's photo
‘It won't be the end of the world or end of my career’: Rafael Nadal expresses fear about retiring without playing French Open
Sreeja Akula moves past Manika Batra to become India’s no.1 Table Tennis player in women’s singles
Rafael Nadal set to play Laver Cup 2024 for Team Europe in September, says 'At this stage in my career...'
Rafael Nadal hopes to win Barcelona Open ends after losing 2nd round against Alex de Minaur
Sumit Nagal hits new high of No. 80 in ATP rankings after Monte Carlo battle with Holger Rune
Monte Carlo Masters 2024: Novak Djokovic avenges his 2023 loss against Lorenzo Musetti; Karen Khachanov stuns Daniil Medvedev
Sumit Nagal’s journey ends at Monte Carlo Masters, loses to Holger Rune in 2nd round
Monte Carlo Masters: Rohan Bopanna-Matthew Eben duo faces early exit in round of 16 stage