Arantxa Rus Wins Maiden WTA Title in Hamburg
Dutch Veteran Defeats German Teenager in Hamburg Final
Match Summary
WEB Arantxa Rus has clinched her maiden WTA Tour title by lifting the trophy of the 2023 Hamburg European Open. Competing in her 126th WTA main draw at the age of 32, No. 7 seed Rus became the oldest first-time titlist in the past 40 years when she defeated German teenager Noma Noha Akugue 6-0, 7-6(3) in the final.
The match lasted 1 hour and 45 minutes, with both players showcasing their resilience and determination. Rus, known for her powerful serve and aggressive baseline play, dominated the opening set, winning it in just 24 minutes. Akugue, who had upset several higher-ranked opponents en route to the final, showed great fighting spirit in the second set, breaking Rus's serve twice.
However, Rus's experience and composure prevailed in the tiebreak. She converted her fourth match point to secure the title, much to the delight of the sold-out crowd at the Rothenbaum.
With this victory, Rus joins an exclusive group of players who have won their first WTA title at the age of 32 or older. She is also the first Dutch woman to win a WTA singles title since Kiki Bertens in 2019.
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