SANTA PONSA, June 25, 2017
Anastasija Sevastova is the new WTA Mallorca Open queen. The second seed from Latvia beat Julia Goerges of Germany in a thrilling final at the Santa Ponsa Tennis Club on Sunday 6-4, 3-6, 6-3.
Sevastova, who finished runner-up last year to Caroline Garcia, sent down five aces and converted five of her 12 break point opportunities to prevail after two hours and 14 minutes.
Final ceremony (photo: Mallorca Open)
The 27-year-old lifted the trophy in Estoril a month after her 20th birthday. Three years later, Sevastova left the sport citing persistent injuries and illnesses only to make a comeback in 2015.
“I’ve known you a long time, and there were some years when you told me you didn’t want to play tennis anymore, and now here we are,” Goerges said during the trophy ceremony.
“I’m so glad I was able to play this final against you because I think you’re a great player. I’m so happy you’re back in tennis, but hopefully you’ll let me win next time, and play many more finals together.”
Sevastova, who lives and Austria and is coached by his boy-friend Ronny Schmidt, earns €34,677 in prize money as well as 280 WTA ranking points.
“Jules, don’t cry!” Sevastova said, opening her speech addressing her friend in German.
“It’s my second final here. I won, but it was a tough match. I hope the tournament will be back here next year.”
Sevastova was set to team-up with former World No.1 Jelena Jankovic of Serbia against top seeds Martina Hingis from Switzerland and Chan Hao-Ching of Taiwan in the doubls final later the day, but the Latvian was forced to withdraw due to a left thigh injury.
