Iga Swaatek, who is a determined player, came back from the brink to win the Korea Open title. She survived a scare in the first game before defeating Russian Ekaterina Alexova with a score of 1-6 7-6(3) and 7-5.

Swiatek looked out of place in the first two sets. She committed several double faults, and many of her shots were sent flying wide.

The world number two, however, sorted out her mistakes and took control of the opponent's play, clinching victory after two and a quarter hours.

The Pole won her third trophy in the same year, after winning at Wimbledon and Cincinnati Open.

You played great, and I have no idea how I won. Swiatek stated, "I just tried to survive."

We'd like to see more finals. It's fun to watch, because you're always up against a tough opponent.

SWIATEK COMPENSATES FOR FAMILY FAILURE

Swiatek joked, too, that her victory had compensated for the fact that her father Tomasz failed to win a gold medal at the Seoul Summer Olympics of 1988 with the Polish rowing squad.

She added, "I am happy to have won here due to the family tradition, and although my father didn't win at the Olympics, I did win this tournament. Hopefully he will come back next year to take part in the festivities."

Alexandrova, the 2022 winner of the Korea Open, capitalized on her opponent's struggles in the first set and broke the serve three times to take the lead.

Both players traded breaks in the second game. Alexandrova continued to put pressure on Swiatek and was only a few points away from winning after she took a 30-point lead at 6-5.

The Russian had her opponent in the ropes but was unable to finish her. Swiatek then took the set to a tiebreaker where she won the first three games and held onto it to force the decider.

The third set was a very high quality one. Swiatek gave Alexandrova an early break by serving three double faults. She quickly returned the game on serve, and increased the intensity.

Alexandrova, looking deflated and defeated, could only watch Swiatek, a six-time Grand Slam champion hit a perfect forehand to win the match and complete her comeback.

"She is a fantastic player, and it's very difficult to play her. I did my best to win today." "It wasn't good enough so next time, I will try to be better," Alexandrova said.

(source: Reuters)