LINZ/STARNBERG, February 2, 2025
In a dramatic and hard-fought final, Ekaterina Alexandrova emerged victorious at the Upper Austria Ladies Linz 2025, finally securing the prestigious title on her third attempt. The 30-year-old Russian claimed a well-deserved 6-2, 3-6, 7-5 win over Dayana Yastremska in a gripping two-hour and eleven-minute showdown, marking her fifth career WTA Tour title and her most significant triumph since Shenzhen in 2020.
Third times the charm! ✨✨
Alexandrova wins the championship in her third final appearance in Linz! #WTALinz pic.twitter.com/XRtV69KNyZ
— wta (@WTA) February 2, 2025
“It was a really tough match today,” Alexandrova said after lifting the Swarovski winner’s trophy. “I love playing here, and now, after three finals, I’ve finally won the title. I’m super happy—this place will always be special and magical for me.”
Yastremska’s spirited comeback falls just short
For a set and a half, Alexandrova looked poised for a dominant victory. Leading 6-2, 3-0, she seemed in complete control, but Yastremska fought back with remarkable resilience. The Ukrainian, backed by the energetic Linz crowd, won an astonishing nine consecutive games, turning the match into a tense battle.
With the score level in the final set, Alexandrova secured a crucial break at 5-5, edging closer to victory. Yastremska, showing incredible grit, saved four match points before Alexandrova finally closed out the match on her fifth opportunity.
“Dayana played incredibly well on the match points, and it was tough to handle, but I had to stay patient and wait for the right moment. That moment finally came on the fifth match point,” the champion reflected.
While Yastremska produced an impressive 31 winners, she also made 41 unforced errors, compared to Alexandrova’s more controlled performance with just seven winners and 15 unforced errors. Despite the loss, Yastremska remained positive:
“That’s life—sometimes you win, sometimes you lose. But I’ve had a great start to the year, and I hope it continues like this, or even better. Linz has always welcomed me warmly, and I feel right at home on this court.”
A historic victory & a boost in the rankings
Along with the 500 WTA ranking points and $147,765 prize money, Alexandrova’s victory propels her five spots up the world rankings to No. 25 starting Monday.
Sandra Reichel celebrates 25 years as Tournament Director
The event’s significance extended beyond the court, as tournament director Sandra Reichel celebrated 25 years of leadership at the Linz tournament. Governor Thomas Stelzer honored her contribution, highlighting her tireless dedication to tennis and the region:
“You and your team do an outstanding job for tennis, Linz, and Upper Austria. You have our deepest respect and gratitude.”
Babos & Stefani clinch doubles title
The tournament concluded with an equally exciting doubles final, where Timea Babos of Hungary and Luisa Stefani from Brazil staged a thrilling comeback to defeat Ukrainian twins Nadiia and Lyudmyla Kichenok 3-6, 7-5, 10-4 in 93 minutes.
Champion status#WTALinz pic.twitter.com/INZV5yhBdn
— wta (@WTA) February 2, 2025
“We teamed up at the last moment, and I’d say it worked out pretty well!” Babos joked after their first WTA title as a pair, also expressing gratitude to the passionate Linz fans for their support.
Looking ahead: 35th anniversary edition in 2026
The Upper Austria Ladies Linz will celebrate its 35th anniversary next year, with the 2026 tournament set for February 1–8.
