Cleveland witnessed an unexpected turn of events at the Tennis in the Land tournament, as Sara Sorribes Tormo of Spain, who entered the event as a lucky loser, emerged victorious in a thrilling three-set match against fourth-seeded Ekaterina Alexandrova of Russia. With a final score of 3-6, 6-4, 6-4, Sorribes Tormo claimed her second career singles title. The world No. 95 showcased her resilience as she overcame deficits and fought her way to the top.
Sorribes Tormo showcased her fighting spirit after being down 4-2 in the second set and 4-3 in the third. With sheer determination, she stormed back into the match, breaking Alexandrova’s serve twice to secure the victory. The match lasted 2 hours and 27 minutes, with Sorribes Tormo sealing the win on her fourth match point. Reflecting on her performance, she credited her ability to stay focused and utilize her running skills to her advantage. She acknowledged the support of her family, who always encouraged her to fight till the end.
The path to the championship was an emotional roller coaster for Sorribes Tormo. Initially eliminated in the qualifying round, she found herself on the verge of tears in the players’ lounge at the Nautica Entertainment Complex. However, when Irina-Camelia Begu withdrew from the main bracket, Sorribes Tormo was given a second chance. With four additional spots available, she opted to enter the raffle and luck was on her side as she won the first bid. This stroke of luck paved the way for her remarkable journey to the title.
Sorribes Tormo etched her name in the WTA history books as the sixth lucky loser to win a singles crown. This victory marked her first title since 2021 in Guadalajara, Mexico. Expressing her joy, she emphasized the remarkable turnaround, stating, “One week ago, I was out of the tournament, and today I am here. Someone told me they call this Believeland. It must be true.”
While Sorribes Tormo took center stage, Ekaterina Alexandrova made a lasting impression throughout the tournament. As the only seed to advance past the quarterfinals, Alexandrova displayed her formidable skills, firing four aces in the match. However, her three consecutive service game breaks proved to be her downfall. Despite her defeat, Alexandrova gracefully acknowledged Sorribes Tormo’s incredible performance and described it as an enjoyable week of tennis for everyone.
The Tennis in the Land tournament has quickly established itself as a prominent event in the tennis calendar. The inaugural title in 2021 was claimed by Anett Kontaveit of Estonia, while Liudmila Samsonova of Russia was the defending champion. This year, the tournament took on a new dimension, with all matches being played outdoors on a hard court in a temporary downtown stadium. The thrilling matches and the unique setting added to the excitement and made it a memorable event for players and fans alike.
Sara Sorribes Tormo’s triumph at Tennis in the Land showcased her tenacity and ability to rise to the occasion. With an unexpected path to victory, she emerged as a true champion, defying the odds and etching her name in tennis history. Her remarkable comeback serves as inspiration to all aspiring athletes. Meanwhile, Ekaterina Alexandrova’s impressive run and sportsmanship added to the event’s excitement, making it a week to remember. As the tournament continues to grow, it solidifies its place among the prestigious tennis events, providing a platform for players to showcase their skills on the world stage.
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