Ekaterina Alexandrova downs an absent-minded Sabalenka in Den Bosch final

Ekaterina Alexandrov captured her 2nd career trophy against Aryna Sabalenka after a strong win in two sets 7-5 6-0.

The Russian player played a very comfortable week and it was a level similar to the one she showed in Madrid earlier this year when she reached the semifinal. Alexandrova has been showing a very high level at times this year and today was another case. She was greatly helped by an absent-minded Sabalenka who failed to be present when it mattered the most.

It was evident from the start as she was making some really poor decisions and dropping points she should have won. Even with all of that she was able to take a 4-2 lead after Alexandrova practically gave away a game with some poor choices of her own.

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She was given a chance by Sabalenka in the next game and she came back to make it 4-4. From there it was largely a patience thing because as soon as Sabalenka did not hit a good serve, the Russian was in the rallies. Most of the longer ones were won by her as she committed far fewer errors. She finished off the opening set with 7-5.

Alexandrova opened the 2nd one with 4-0 as Sabalenka completely eroded with her play and her focus. The Russian read the serve rather well and forced many deep balls back and Sabalenka slammed all of them wide. Her serve went missing towards the end as well and that was that.