Ninth career title for Rybakina, defeats Samsonova in Strasbourg

Elena Rybakina won her ninth career title, beating Liudmilla Samsonova 6-1, 6-7 (2), 6-1 to lift the Strasbourg trophy.

It was her second appearance in the final there, having lost in the 2020 final to Elina Svitolina.

However, it was her first final this year, and her form has not been spectacular; indeed, her record against players in the Top 20 stood at 1-6 before the match. Her record against Samsonova in particular was not strong, with the world No 19 winning four of their previous five meetings.

Rybakina on clay, though, is always a good prospect; she now holds a 4-1 record in clay-court finals.

She would have hoped for a swift finish after seizing the first set in 40 minutes, but Samsonova improved her return game and edged in a tiebreak to force a decider.

Samsonova will be pleased with her form ahead of Roland-Garros having reached her first career final on clay. She had won only one match on the surface this year before this tournament.

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