US Open quarter-finalist Beatriz Haddad Maia has overcome first-set jitters to beat top seed Daria Kasatkina 1-6 6-4 6-1 in the Korea Open final, winning the first WTA 500 singles title of her career.
Haddad Maia, who lost the final in Seoul in 2017, bounced back in Sunday’s second set with lethal forehands that brushed the lines, and cruised through the third set to secure her first title of the year.
“Another tough match. Hope we have many more to come,” Kasatkina told Haddad Maia after losing her second match to the Brazilian, having won their first two clashes.
Russian world number 13 Kasatkina won five games in a row to clinch the first set in just 26 minutes as third seed Haddad Maia struggled with her serves, winning only nine of her 20 service points.
Kasatkina broke on the first game of the second set but Haddad Maia put up a better fight, securing her first break of the match to make it 3-3, making a frustrated Kasatkina chase her returns to the ends of the court.
World number 17 Haddad Maia saved a crucial break point to take a 5-4 lead, looking increasingly comfortable in long rallies. She broke in the next game to take the second set with a strong forehand.
A transformed Haddad Maia was in control in the decisive set, winning 17 of her 22 service points and breaking twice in a row to secure victory.
“I want to come back again next year,” the 28-year-old said after winning her fourth WTA singles title.
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