The American Ann Li, backed by her excellent serve and a direct and aggressive game, defeated Bulgarian Victoriya Tomova 6-3 and 6-3 and won the BBVA Open Internacional de Valencia, the second WTA title of her career after winning in Tenerife in 2021.
Just two sets were enough for the American to impose her rhythm and, above all, her forehand strike on a defensive Tomova, who although she was the first favorite in the draw and reached position number 69 in the WTA ranking, was surpassed in all. . moment for the American, who began to dominate from the early stages of the match.
And he ended up winning despite not even starting well and having to save a blazing ball against him in the first game of the match. But with his serve, the same one that helped him throughout the match to balance the clash when it was at its worst, he achieved a direct serve and a second on the line that allowed the American to keep serve.
Unlike Tomova, Li took advantage of her first break chance and broke the Sofia player’s serve in Tomova’s first game, where she made several unforced errors (2-0). However, Tomova persevered, not dropping the first set and a few games later broke Li’s serve to tie it at three.
However, as the match became more even, Li showed her service prowess and started throwing high balls at a Tomova who did not hurt her, who looked dominated in the back court and lost again on serve (5-3) . Li, who confirmed the first set with his serve.
Li took advantage of Tomova’s bad mood to break the Bulgarian’s serve again and then confirmed with her serve (2-0), although the most tense moment was when she served with 15-40 at 2- 1. But as throughout the match, he persevered from serve, saving both break points and after several points where both showed their equality, he managed to hold serve.
The Bulgarian tennis player seems to have no idea and expressed that negativity on the court, because he had no luck on the American lines, or on the net, which benefited Li in some important moments, such as in the break point that allowed the American go. 4-1 and pretty much sealed a match where everything was against him.
However, Tomova, who is looking for a second victory in this type of tournament and who this Monday is in 63rd place in the WTA ranking, the best position of her career, regained herself and returned the break ( 4-2) on a blank the American before maintaining his serve and putting pressure (4-3) on the American.
But the American came back into the match, held her serve and went to 40-40 to win the championship even though Tomova held serve.
Li still had to win her serve, 0-40 down. However, from that moment, and under the pressure of three break balls, he started to release his forehand, served better and got a championship ball where the world number 172 invented a drop shot to close the fight and lift his second. WTA title.
Source: La Verdad
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