Ashleigh wins WTA Finals
SHENZHEN: World No 1 Ashleigh Barty spectacularly ended her jinx against defending champion Elina Svitolina to win the WTA Finals yesterday and scoop the richest prize in tennis history.
Ashleigh, who had never beaten Elina in five previous attempts, won 6-4, 6-3 in one hour and 26 minutes at the Shenzhen Bay Sports Centre.
The Australian claimed a record-setting US$4.42 million (RM18.4 million) paycheque — the largest sum ever awarded in men’s and women’s tennis.
Ashleigh’s only loss was to late replacement Kiki Bertens and she became the fifth debutant to win the lucrative round-robin tournament.
“It’s been the most incredible year for me,” Ashleigh said after the match.
Elina has not won a trophy since claiming the WTA Finals in Singapore last year, which remains the biggest title of her career. She had lost just one set before the final to be on track to claim a maximum prize of US$4.725 million before falling short in the decider.
The Ukrainian had taken a liking to the slow indoor hard court, which has been criticised by other players, with her methodical counterpunching overwhelming opponents — but she was thwarted by an irresistible Ashleigh.
“It definitely was a great week for me,” Elina said. “(Barty) had a great tournament and an amazing year.”
Ashleigh’s season is set to continue when she spearheads Australia’s Fed Cup title hopes against France in the final on Nov 9-10.
It was the first WTA Finals played in Shenzhen after a fiveyear run in Singapore and the competition will be based in the southern Chinese city until 2028.
The event’s move to China was highlighted by an eye-watering total prize pool of US$14 million.