Liudmila Samsonova was a bit lost for words following her latest triumph as she underlined that Zheng Qinwen was a difficult opponent to handle. Samsonova, who was unseeded in the Tokyo main draw, edged out Zheng 7-5 7-5 to win her third title of the year and fourth overall WTA title.
Samsonova has kept a perfect record in WTA Finals as she is now 4-0 in four finals played. “It’s amazing, I don’t have too many words right now. I need little bit of time. It was a really tough match because huge congrats to Qinwen and her team because she’s playing amazing.
Seriously, congrats guys. It was a nervous match today. We were fighting every point. It was tough,” Samsonova said.
Samsonova on her run in Tokyo
Samsonova started her Tokyo campaign by beating reigning Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina.
Then, Samsonova also defeated Wang Xinyu, Garbine Muguruza and Zhang Shuai. “I played a high level in all my five matches. I am incredibly happy about how I managed it,” Samsonova said. In the Tokyo final, Samsonova prevented Zheng from winning her first WTA title.
Zheng had a great chance to start the match with an early break, but Samsonova saved two consecutive break points in the second game. After saving two early break points, Samsonova earned the first break of the match in the 11th game to take a 6- 5 lead.
In the 12th game, Samsonova realized her first set point to win a tight opener. After winning the first set, Samsonova earned the first break of the second set for a 3-2 lead. Down by a set and a break, Zheng refused to quit and broke back Samsonova in the sixth game to level the second set to three games apiece.
Blowing an early second set break didn’t impact Samsonova, who broke Zheng again in the 11th game to take a 6-5 lead. In the 12th game, Samsonova served out for the match and the Tokyo title.