Liudmila Samsonova claimed her fifth career title by defeating Bianca Andreescu in a thrilling final at the Libema Open in ‘s-Hertogenbosch. The No.2 seed battled back from a set down to secure a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 victory, marking her first title of the season.
Samsonova, aged 25, entered the tournament ranked No.15 on the PIF WTA Rankings. She cruised through the early rounds without dropping a set against tough opponents like Alison Van Uytvanck, Celine Naef, and Greet Minnen. However, inclement weather conditions forced her to play double duty on the final day.
Reflecting on her victory, Samsonova expressed her exhaustion due to the challenging weather conditions, stating, ‘I’m a little bit tired, honestly. I think where I go it always rains, I don’t know. It’s already one month and it’s raining all day. It’s amazing to have the title after a week like that.’
Samsonova’s triumph in ‘s-Hertogenbosch adds to her previous success on grass courts, having secured her first grass title in Berlin back in 2021. The Russian player showcased her resilience and determination throughout the tournament, culminating in a well-deserved victory over the talented Andreescu.
Earlier in the day, Samsonova faced a tough challenge in the semifinals against the two-time defending champion Ekaterina Alexandrova. The match, which was suspended due to weather conditions, resumed with Samsonova eventually prevailing to set up the final clash with Andreescu.
With this victory, Samsonova continues to make her mark on the Hologic WTA Tour, solidifying her position as a formidable competitor on the women’s tennis circuit. Her impressive performance in ‘s-Hertogenbosch showcases her talent and determination, setting the stage for more exciting matches in the upcoming tournaments.
