Spanish dominance in Båstad
The men’s tournament in Båstad has had Spanish winners for the four last years and Maria Jose Martinez Sanchez carried the flag in a phenomenal way in the women’s final. She won in straight sets versus the Danish superstar Caroline Wozniacki 7-5, 6-4.
Martinez Sanchez is almost one of a kind on the women’s tour. It’s very rare to see players that can handle so many different shots on the WTA Tour. She plays with such elegance and always has something with which to surprise her opponents.
On Saturday it was Caroline Wozniacki’s turn to meet the mysterious Spaniard.
“I couldn’t find my redemption during the match, Maria played really well,” Wozniacki said after the match.
Martinez Sanchez got of an excellent start. She won the two first games and played intelligently. The Spaniard was also very effective when she moved closer to the net. The first set ended 7-5 with Martinez Sanchez in front.
It seemed as if Wozniacki would take the match to a third set after getting a brilliant start in the second. The Dane moved into an early 4-1-lead and played some solid tennis. But the Spaniard had answers on everything today, she slowed down the pace and neutralized Wozniacki’s game. She also continued to attack the net and use her drop shot cleverly. Martinez Sanchez won five games in a row in the end and to secure the title.
“I’ve had a fantastic time here in Båstad and I’m so glad that I won the final.”
The Spaniard also took the chance to tell the crowd that she will be back next year and to thank the organizers for a memorable tournament.