Aryna Sabalenka wins Shenzhen Open
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Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka gave herself a massive confidence boost ahead of the Australian Open by winning the Shenzhen Open final on Saturday.
Sabalenka captured her first title of 2019 with a fine comeback win against Alison Riske 4-6 7-6 (7-2) 6-3. Last year, the Belarusian won titles at Wuhan and New Haven.
"To start the season with a title, it gives you more belief in yourself, and hopefully I can do well at the Australian Open," Sabalenka said.
"It was a tough day for us, especially to come back after the first set. She was putting everything in, down the lines - I'm so happy that I found a way how to win."
The Australian Open starts on Monday, January 14.
Belarus President Aliaksandr Lukashenka has congratulated Aryna Sabalenka with the victory.
Lift that , @SabalenkaA !
— WTA (@WTA) 5 января 2019 г.
You're the @ShenzhenOpenWTA champion!#ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/Hi9Nxjl7Xv
"This backhand down the line - you need to teach me how to do this!"
— WTA (@WTA) 5 января 2019 г.
Champion @SabalenkaA gives credit to @Riske4rewards after a tough day for both of them, pulling double-duty at @ShenzhenOpenWTA !#ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/lMDB02lKlz
"Even though I have no-one here with me this week, I feel like I have a ton of support - which is special."@riske4rewards always feels at home at @ShenzhenOpenWTA !#ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/RjnXTGHZKk
— WTA (@WTA) 5 января 2019 г.
That's the title for @sabalenkaA !
— WTA (@WTA) 5 января 2019 г.
Gets 2019 off to the best start with the @ShenzhenOpenWTA title!
Beats Riske 4-6, 7-6(2), 6-3!#ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/RfjZGHbyb1
This. Is. Incredible.
— WTA (@WTA) 5 января 2019 г.
Riske and Sabalenka giving it everything!#ShenzhenOpen pic.twitter.com/WGYvHPfkuj
