Sabalenka fights back against Riske to win Shenzhen open

Top seed Aryna Sabalenka won the Shenzhen open on Saturday after a nail-biting clash against three-time finalist Alison Riske. Sabalenka lost the first set to her American opponent, before coming back to win the match 4-6, 7-6, 6-3.

The Shenzhen open was the Belarusian’s fifth WTA final in the last ten months and her first international trophy. The world number 13 had a breakthrough season last year when she won titles at Wuhan and New Haven.

“It was a tough day for us, especially to come back after the first set. She (Riske) played unbelievably, an incredible match,” Sabalenka said.