Sofia Kenin stars with Aryna Sabalenka win as Eagles defeat Kites to win 2023 World Tennis League title
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The 2023 World Tennis League has concluded with Eagles prevailing in a 29-26 win over Kites on Christmas Eve in the United Arab Emirates. This is despite Andrey Rublev losing the final match for Eagles against Grigor Dimitrov.
But it was Sofia Kenin who was the star of the show as she made it 3-0 in singles this week by seeing off World No.2 Aryna Sabalenka 6-4 for Eagles in the Women's Singles match. She has defeated Sabalenka, Caroline Garcia and Sorana Cirstea this week and heading back to Australia four years on after her incredible Grand Slam triumph, she is in the best spot she has been in since then.
Rublev closes gap in overtime
In the men's singles match, Grigor Dimitrov sealed a 6-3 win to send the tie onto a knife edge. Albeit with Eagles in command, but Rublev despite losing in the end got sufficient points to mean that no matter what Kites couldn't seal the win.
Initially Kites took the early advantage with the Tsitsidosa team reuniting for one final team this tournament despite Tsitsipas' injury injury struggles. They took down the Eagles team of Mirra Andreeva and Daniil Medvedev narrowly 7-6 (2). Andreeva stayed on court for Eagles to continue her newfound doubles partnership with Sofia Kenin who in being the MVP of the Final also has been excellent in doubles all week and Eagles took down the best friend duo of Paula Badosa and Aryna Sabalenka for Kites 7-5.
Then it was onto Men's Doubles and Daniil Medvedev and Andrey Rublev (Eagles) who are best friends off court also were superb all week. They saw off Grigor Dimitrov and Lloyd Harris (Kites) 6-3 to send it in favour of Eagles before the singles matches with Kenin defeating Sabalenka 6-4 putting Eagles in a winning position which was closed out albeit not in winning fashion by Rublev.
Most players will now head to Australia or for further training, with Sabalenka now playing the Riyadh Tennis Cup against Ons Jabeur on Boxing Day so firmly no rest for the World No.2 as new season preparation continues. But Eagles have now won the World Tennis League.
Samuel GillEditor-in-Chief
Samuel Gill is the Chief Content Officer (CCO) of TennisUpToDate.com, a role he has held since 2020. He is responsible for editorial governance across the platform, including setting content standards, overseeing accuracy and consistency, and guiding long-term editorial strategy. Since joining, he has contributed more than 10,000 articles and editorial pieces across the TennisUpToDate network, playing a central role in the daily operation and development of the site.
Based in Leicester, Samuel has a broad background in tennis media. In his current role, he works closely with editors and writers to ensure coverage meets clear journalistic standards, with particular attention to verification, consistency, and timely updates when new information becomes available.
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