US Open quarterfinalist Beatriz Haddad Maia overcame first-set jitters within the Korea Open last to beat high seed Daria Kasatkina 1-6, 6-4, 6-1, profitable the primary WTA 500 singles title of her profession Sunday.
Haddad Maida, who misplaced the ultimate in Seoul in 2017, bounced again within the second set with deadly forehands that brushed the strains, and cruised by way of the third set to safe her first title of the yr.
“One other robust match … hope we’ve many extra to return,” Kasatkina advised Haddad Maia after dropping her second match to the Brazilian, having gained their first two clashes.
Russian world No. 13 Kasatkina gained 5 video games in a row to clinch the primary set in simply 26 minutes as third seed Haddad Maida struggled along with her serves, profitable solely 9 of her 20 service factors.
Kasatkina broke on the primary sport of the second set, however Haddad Maia put up a greater battle, getting her first break of the match to make it 3-3, making a annoyed Kasatkina chase her returns to the ends of the court docket.
World No. 17 Haddad Maia saved an important break level to take a 5-4 lead, wanting more and more snug in lengthy rallies. She broke within the subsequent sport to safe the second set with a powerful forehand.
A reworked Haddad Maia was in management within the decisive set, profitable 17 of her 22 service factors and breaking twice in a row to safe victory.
“I need to come again once more subsequent yr,” the 28-year-old mentioned after profitable her fourth WTA singles title.