Sydney, Jan 15 (TIWN) World No.9 Paula Badosa of Spain overcame a strong challenge from world No.4 Barbora Krejcikova, defeating the 26-year-old 2021 French Open champion 6-3, 4-6, 7-6(4) to claim the Sydney Tennis Classic title on Saturday.

Badosa and Czech Republic’s Krejcikova had been the 2 largest movers into the highest-10 over the past season. Krejcikova began 2021 ranked No.65 and Badosa even decrease at No.70. But each had profession-greatest seasons to complete the 12 months in the elite and earn spots on the 12 months-finish WTA Finals.

On Saturday, Krejcikova claimed her first set in opposition to Badosa, as she practically emulated her comeback win over Anett Kontaveit of Estonia from Friday’s semifinals, the place she prevailed in a 3rd-set tiebreak.