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Why Coco Gauff’s latest defeat will leave a lasting scar that will be hard to remove

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Coco Gauff WUHAN OPEN

For a set and a half against Aryna Sabalenka, Coco Guaff played the best tennis match of her life – and then disaster struck.

Gauff is still only 20 and for most players, mental lapses of the kind we saw in her Wuhan Open collapse against Sabalenka would be considered normal for a young player.

Yet Gauff has never followed the ‘normal’ rules of tennis and that is why her latest demise will be given the most intense of scrutiny.

WTA Wuhan Open 2024: Coco Gauff knocked out by Aryna Sabalenka despite early semi-final domination

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The basic facts of this match confirm that Sabalenka fought back to end Gauff’s nine-match winning streak and secure a third straight appearance in the final of the Wuhan Open, where she will meet home favourite Zheng Qinwen.

American Gauff had taken the opening set and then moved 4-2 ahead in the second to seem on course for victory, only for her serve to falter as world number two Sabalenka recovered to win 1-6, 6-4, 6-4 in two and a half hours.

Sabalenka maintained her unbeaten record in Wuhan as Gauff, who won the China Open in Beijing last week, produced another double fault on match point – a 21st in total.

That statistic will be the defending memory of this match and it is a number that will haunt Gauff.

Her all-round game was far too much for Sabalenka to handle for most of the match and when he broke serve in the second set, it appeared, she was on course to continue her thrilling run in Asia.

Yet the serving issues that derailed Gauff’s US Open defence last month came back to bite her once more and this now appears to be a mental as much as a technical issue with her serve.

The young American has spoken publicly about changing a grip on a key shot and most experts believed that may be the serve after her woes at the US Open.

Yet when the winning line was within sight for Gauff, she blinked in alarming fashion as the serve collapsed in devastating fashion.

It was hard not to have sympathy for Gauff as she looked pleadingly towards her box as she looked for answers to the problems, but finding solutions during a match is never easy.

The double fault she threw in to end the match summed up her despair, with Sabalenka offering some support as she also fought with serving challenges a couple of years ago.

“I know what she’s going through,” said Sabalenka. “This is really difficult. This is really tough, but I know that she will overcomes this serve situation.

“She’s already one of the best players, but I’m pretty sure she’s going to be one of the greatest players.”

Sabalenka added on the WTA Tour website: “I was just trying to put as much pressure on her as I can so she would go even crazier on her serve.”

In Saturday’s other match, fifth seed Zheng beat compatriot Wang Xinyu 6-3, 6-4 in the first all-Chinese semi-final at a WTA 1000 event.

Olympic champion Zheng continued her fine run through the Asian swing to book a place in a first WTA 1000 final, setting up a repeat of the 2024 Australian Open final, which was won by Sabalenka in straight sets.

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TENNIS

10+ Hot Pictures of Serena Williams Will Drive You Nuts for Her Sexy Body

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Serena Williams

Serena Williams is an American professional tennis player and former world’s no. 1 in women’s singles tennis.

Serena Williams was born on 26 September 1981 in Saginaw, Michigan, United States. Serena Williams’s real name is Serena Jameka Williams and she has nicknames Meka and Momma Smash. She had won many awards in her bright career. Like Serena Williams, her sister Venus Williams is also a famous tennis player and she also won many awards.

1. Serena is looking enthralling in this image as her bikini is complimenting her pretty figure.

2. This image shows that the player has got a robust body as she poses in the blue swimsuit.

3. She is dazzling on the red carpet as her all-black outfit is highlighting her beautiful body.

READ: Never Seen Before Beach Pictures of Serena Williams

4. Serena is looking graceful in the green swimsuit as it is showing off her charming curves.

5. She is looking gorgeous in this white outfit as her tall, slender legs are getting highlighted.

6. The player is looking captivating in this bikini as it is flaunting her charming body-lines.

7. She is charismatic in this capture as her electrifying eyes are snatching the focus of the camera.

8. The aesthetic value of this snap is undeniable as the tennis-queen is flaunting her perfectly sculpted body.

9. Serena’s gorgeous smile can make millions of hearts flatter as she looks lovely and mesmerizing in this white swimsuit.

10. She is looking mesmerizing and pretty in this beach photo as her beautifully toned body and pretty bosom are highlighted by the bikini.

This image is a fan-favourite as her attractive facial features and charming smile are dominating the capture.

She is looking hot and sexy in the striped lingerie as she is flaunting her pretty cleavage.

This photo of Serena is aesthetically pleasing as her sharp facial features are complimenting her beautiful figure.

Red colour is offering her an inexplicable aura and bestowing her tall figure with sensuality  as it is making her look fascinating.

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BOXING

Artur Beterbiev def. Dmitry Bivol: Best photos

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Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Check out these photos from Artur Beterbiev’s undisputed light heavyweight boxing title victory over Dmitry Bivol at Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown.

Ciara performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

JUST IN: “I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

RIYADH, SAUDI ARABIA – OCTOBER 12: Missy Elliott performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Missy Elliott and Ciara perform ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Busta Rhymes performs ahead of the IBF, IBO, WBC and WBO World Light Heavyweight titles’ fight between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitrii Bivol as part of the Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown card at Kingdom Arena on October 12, 2024 in Riyadh. (Photo by Richard Pelham/Getty Images)

Artur Beterbiev def. Dmitry Bivol: Riyadh Season – IV Crown Showdown
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BOXING

“I don’t think the result was fair”: Turki Alalshikh confirms plans to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol

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Turki Alalshikh Artur Beterbiev Dmitry Bivol

Turki Alalshikh, the influential Saudi sports authority and head of the General Entertainment Authority, has voiced his desire to stage a rematch between Artur Beterbiev and Dmitry Bivol following Beterbiev’s controversial points victory in their undisputed light-heavyweight title fight. 

Alalshikh, a key figure in bringing major boxing events to Saudi Arabia, believes the result of the fight was not fair and is already working to organise a second showdown between the two champions.

Beterbiev’s victory, secured by a majority decision after twelve rounds of intense action, has sparked widespread debate in the boxing community, with many—including professional fighters—arguing that Bivol deserved the win.

Artur Beterbiev scores controversial majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol in 12-round battle - MMA Fighting

JUST IN: [VIDEOS] ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Beats Bivol To Become Undisputed Amid Robbery Claims

While Beterbiev’s aggressive style and power shots earned him the judges’ nod, Bivol’s technical skill and ring control had many feeling he had done enough to claim victory.

Alalshikh, who has played a major role in bringing boxing mega-fights to Saudi Arabia over the last 12 months, has expressed his dissatisfaction with the result, suggesting that the judges may have gotten it wrong.

Speaking about the result, Alalshikh told The Stomping Ground: ‘This was one of the great fights of the last 20 years I think, but I don’t think the result was fair, in my opinion. The two fighters are like my brothers, but I think Bivol won two rounds more. I will focus and I will try to do the rematch. If they accept, we will do it.’

Known for his passion for combat sports and his ability to deliver blockbuster events, Alalshikh is already in talks with both Bivol’s and Beterbiev’s teams to make the rematch a reality.

He is reportedly keen on hosting the bout in Saudi Arabia, which has become a prime destination for high-profile boxing matches, including bouts involving Anthony Joshua and Tyson Fury.

A rematch between Beterbiev and Bivol would undoubtedly be one of the most anticipated fights of 2025, given the controversy surrounding their first bout in Riyadh.

Bivol, who many believe was ‘robbed’ of a victory, has welcomed the idea of a rematch. While Beterbiev, now the undisputed light-heavyweight champion, has also indicated that he would be open to a second fight.

The potential rematch has already generated excitement among fans and boxing insiders alike, with many viewing it as a must-see event. Given Alalshikh’s track record of organising high-stakes fights, there is growing anticipation that this rematch could come together quickly.

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BOXING

[VIDEOS] ‘Absolutely Disgusting’ – Beterbiev Beats Bivol To Become Undisputed Amid Robbery Claims

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Beterbiev Bivol

Artur Beterbiev is the Undisputed Light Heavyweight Champion after a divisive majority decision win over Dmitry Bivol. 

Beterbiev added Bivol’s WBA belt to his WBC, WBO and IBF titles, extending his record to 21-0. It was the first time he went the full 12 rounds while Bivol suffered his first defeat. Bivol began the opener well as he was landing the jab. He doubled up on it, connecting with his right hand as Beterbiev started slow.

However, Beterbiev maintained control of the center. He caught Bivol’s attention with a big right hand in the third as he worked himself into the fight, while Bivol kept moving around the ring. Bivol responded with a right cross, but Beterbiev took it cleanly, with no impact as he walked forward.

In the sixth, Bivol was backed up on the ropes. Beterbiev landed upstairs, grazing Bivol’s head with a right cross as he found himself on the ropes. Bivol was breathing heavier as Beterbiev was putting his combinations together. However, Bivol fought back in the seventh. He buzzed Beterbiev with a combination on the ropes.

READ: Canelo’s Unfinished Business: A Rematch with Bivol

Beterbiev reacted by backing up Bivol, who was forced to cover up. Neither man was backing down. Bivol’s backhand landed on the body in the ninth, followed by a cross that popped Beterbiev’s head. Beterbiev’s corner was clear that he needed a KO following the tenth. Beterbiev went for it, unleashing a flurry of punches as Bivol slowed down in the 11th. However, Bivol held his ground only to come up short on the scorecards, dividing the boxing community: 114-114, 115-113, and 116-112.

Post-Fight

“I don’t have any explanation, because it would look like excuses. I just congratulate Artur and his team, they deserve it. [And] I did my job. I felt that I could do better, it just… some opinion of judges… Congratulations, Artur. I didn’t see this fight. He won, what can I say?,” Bivol

“In one of the biggest fights of our generation, the most important fight of Dmitry Bivol’s life, you give him four rounds? It’s disgusting. You heard Beterbiev’s corner in the 10th round: They told him he had to knock him out. Top Rank knew he’d lost. I’m absolutely baffled and disgusted. I don’t want to disrespect Artur Beterbiev… That judge should never work again. Four rounds [to Bivol] in a fight of this magnitude is disgusting,” Hearn

Full Card

Fabio Wardley defeated Frazer Clarke by first-round TKO (2:28).

Jai Opetaia defeated Jack Massey by sixth-round TKO (2:00).

Chris Eubank Jr. defeated Kamil Szeremeta by seventh-round TKO (1:50).

Skye Nicolson defeated Raven Chapman by unanimous decision (99-91, 98-92, 98-92).

Ben Whittaker vs. Liam Cameron ended in a split draw after an injury caused by both fighters falling out of the ring (58-57, 57-58, 58-58).

Mohammed Alakel defeated Jesus Gonzalez by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

Marco Maric defeated Christian Lopez Flores by unanimous decision (40-36 x3).

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TENNIS

Never Seen Before Beach Pictures of Serena Williams

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serena williams

As the world knows, Serena is more than a record-smashing, boundary-breaking tennis champion. Her achievements, on and off the court, make her one of the most recognizable names and faces in the world – the G.O.A.T.

Tennis Veteran, Serena Williams, Shows Off Hawt Bikini Body In Florida Beach! - Sports - NigeriaSerena Williams flaunts body in one-piece swimsuit

Serena’s lifelong passion for design led her to fashion school, which she attended in between winning Grand Slams. In 2018, she launched her own clothing line, S by Serena, designed to empower people to look and feel their absolute best.

READ: WATCH: Serena Williams leaves fans puzzled following joke about relationship to college football player

For Serena, jewelry and fashion go hand-in-hand, and she launched her eponymous jewelry line in 2019. Her designs are inspired by strong, confident women, and celebrate life’s authentic milestones.

Serena Williams Biography - Body - Hot Pictures of Serena Williams 2021 - Tips Blog findfinanceanswerSerena Williams Flaunts Hot Body, Sexy Cleavage in a Bikini!

Focused on investing in companies that embrace diverse leadership and opportunity, Serena is effecting change in the financial investments sector with her venture capital firm, Serena Ventures.

Serena has also flexed her star power in the media and entertainment worlds with roles in movies, series, music videos, and more. Her 2018 award-winning docuseries, Being Serena, continues to inspire people around the world.

Serena Williams In Sexy Bikini At Miami Beach | Serena is cu… | Flickr

At the end of the day, family is Serena’s #1 priority. As the youngest of five girls, she comes from a loving and supportive family. Now, her daughter Olympia is the center of her world and part of her everyday – from business meetings to Disney dance parties.

You Need To See This Pic Of Serena Williams Twinning With Her Daughter On The BeachSerena Williams breaks pregnancy news to daughter Olympia in sweet video

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TENNIS

Coco Gauff ‘happy’ with coaching decision as she reveals new mentor is ‘already making significant progress’

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Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff says she hired Matt Daly as a coach as she is confident he will help her to become a complete player, adding that it was important to find someone who worked well with Jean-Christophe Faurel.

Following a disappointing North American hard-court swing that saw her fail to defend her Cincinnati Open and US Open trophies, Gauff parted ways with Brad Gilbert on the back of her fourth-round exit from the final Grand Slam of the year in New York.

Gilbert had been part of her team since July 2023 and during that time she won her maiden major, the US Open, and also rose to a career-high No 2 in the WTA Rankings.

Karolina Muchova vs Coco Gauff: 5 sensational stats ahead of China Open final

READ: Coco Gauff closes in on significant WTA Rankings boost after reaching China Open final

But both parties felt it was time to move on after a disappointing few months as the American slipped to No 6 in the rankings.

Gauff didn’t wait long to replace Gilbert as she added Daly to her team for the Asian swing.

The Daly-Faurel partnership has had instant success as Gauff reached the final of the China Open and following her semi-final win over Paula Badosa, the 20-year-old was asked what her new coach has added to the team.

“What a coach has to offer, I think it depends on what point in your career you’re at, what you’re looking for,” she said. “Obviously right now I’m very young, so I’m looking just for someone to help me develop in the long-term process, try to help make my game as complete as I can be.

“For me, I mean, with the relationship, adding Matt to the team, we literally just started like two weeks ago, so really only had a week to work with training-wise, then we had to come to China and the tournament.

“We’re working on a lot of developmental things. He’s great. Obviously I still have JC on the team. For me, it was trying to find a mix of two people that work together well. So far, I mean, it’s obviously working result-wise.

“Just even behind the scenes and everything you guys don’t see, I think it’s great. I’m happy with my decision regardless if I lost [in the] first round or in a final this week. So yeah, I’m happy to have him on the team. I feel like he’s already making significant progress. He and JC are working well.”

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Uncategorized

Jon Rahm faces awkward encounter just weeks after refusing to pay LIV Golf fines

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Jon Rahm LIV Golf

Jon Rahm recently met with DP World Tour CEO Guy Kinnings at the Alfred Dunhill Links Championship.

This meeting took place just a few weeks after Rahm declared he wouldn’t be paying any fines to the Wentworth-based circuit for participating in LIV Golf events. Rahm is back on the DP World Tour this week, aiming to play four events to maintain his Tour membership and secure his eligibility for next year’s Ryder Cup.

His last-minute scramble to meet the quota comes after spending most of 2024 playing on the LIV circuit. After joining the breakaway league late last year on a record-breaking deal, Rahm has been crowned LIV’s individual champion for 2024, pocketing just under $35 million in prize money during that period.

Pretty special'... Jon Rahm amazed by one 'incredible' thing at LIV Golf Adelaide

READ: Tiger Woods to design second Texas golf course as PGA and LIV Golf merger talks progress

However, his move hasn’t been without consequences. Rahm has faced financial penalties and suspensions from the DP World Tour for each LIV event he participates in. To return to the European circuit this autumn, Rahm had to appeal the decision, which has allowed him to compete in the Spanish Open, Dunhill Links, and the Andalucia Masters later this month, reports the Mirror US.

While the appeal currently allows the former world No. 1 to compete freely, there will come a time when he’ll have to choose between the Wentworth-based circuit and the LIV competitor. The outcome remains uncertain, but Rahm has already stated he won’t pay a penny of what he owes.

“I’m not a big fan of the fines. I think I’ve been outspoken about that,” the Spanish star said of his DP World Tour punishments at LIV Chicago last month. “I don’t intend to pay the fines, and we keep trying to have a discussion with them about how we can make this happen.”

This could potentially cause a significant rift between the European Tour and one of their most valuable players, Rahm. Despite the off-course politics, Rahm and the circuit’s CEO, Kinnings, appeared to be on good terms as they walked the course together ahead of this week’s event in Scotland.

Away from the controversy, Rahm’s attention shifted to the tournament at hand on Thursday, where he made a strong start, scoring an impressive seven-under-par 65 in the opening round at Carnoustie. The Spaniard is renowned for his aggressive play from tee to green, but it was his performance with the putter that stood out on the first day.

“My putting was really good today. I hit it well. Felt comfortable out there,’ he stated on Thursday. “But the amount of putts I made from 15 to 20 feet, it’s more than the average for sure today rather than — that’s what it takes on a golf course like Carnoustie to post a score. Hopefully, I can keep playing like this for the next few days.”

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TENNIS

Jannik Sinner notches up career milestone win as he also emulates Big Three with unique ATP Tour feat

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jannik sinner shanghai masters

Jannik Sinner returned to winning ways as he created a new one-man club for one milestone while he also joined the likes of Roger Federer, Rafael Nadal and Novak Djokovic on another list of achievements.

Just days after losing the China Open final against his great rival Carlos Alcaraz, Sinner bounced back to beat Taro Daniel 6-1, 6-4 in the second round of the Shanghai Masters.

The win was the Italian’s 60th of the season as he became the first player to achieve the milestone this year with Alexander Zverev next best on 57 wins, Alcaraz on 49 and Casper Ruud on 48.

Sinner faces doping storm but ready to dominate Shanghai Masters | Daily Sabah

JUST IN: Coco Gauff closes in on significant WTA Rankings boost after reaching China Open final

Sinner – who has a win-loss record of 60–6 (90.9%) for the 2024 season – has now won 60+ matches in consecutive seasons as last year he finished the campaign with a 64–15 win-loss record.

The two-time Grand Slam winner – who turned 23 in August – is only the sixth player aged 23 or under with 60+ ATP match wins in consecutive seasons since 2000.

Interestingly, all six players have topped the rankings with world No 1s Lleyton Hewitt (2000-02), Andy Roddick (2003-04), Roger Federer (2003-04), Rafael Nadal (2007-09) and Novak Djokovic (2007-10) the others to have achieved the feat.

The win was also Sinner’s 250 in top-level tennis as he became the first player born in the 2000s to reach that particular milestone as he now sits on a career win-loss record of 250–80.

“I felt quite comfortable today,” the Italian said. “I feel in good shape also physically, which is very important for me. Of course I will try to improve for tomorrow’s performance, but today I was serving really, really well, especially in important moments, and was moving well.”

The reigning Australian Open and US Open champion will face Tomas Martin Etcheverry in the third round while he could meet 14th seed Ben Shelton – who defeated him in three sets in Shanghai last year – in the fourth round.

If the seedings hold, then Sinner will face Alcaraz in the semi-final as they are in the same half of the draw.

Alcaraz, who reached his 200th top-level win at the China Open, took his career tally to 204–52 with victory a 6-2, 6-2 victory over Juncheng Shang and he takes on Chinese wildcard Wu Yibing next.

“I’ve been playing really good tennis lately so I want to just keep going and keep feeling it, keep feeling this good,” the Spaniard said. “I just had one practice then was straight into this match, so to be able to show this level in the first match, I’m just really proud.”

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TENNIS

Coco Gauff closes in on significant WTA Rankings boost after reaching China Open final

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Coco Gauff

Coco Gauff progressed to the final of the 2024 China Open after a three-set comeback win against Paula Badosa in the last four. 

The world No 6 earned a 4-6, 6-4, 6-2 triumph against Badosa in the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

Badosa was in a strong position to reach the title match when she led 6-4, 4-2, but Gauff won four straight games to turn the second set around.

Coco Gauff

READ: Coco Gauff earns key rankings boost after overcoming nightmare start in China Open win

Gauff then broke Badosa three times en route to winning the third set convincingly to reach her first final since the Auckland Open in January.

The 20-year-old American is playing her first tournament since adding Matt Daly to her coaching team, having split with Brad Gilbert after the US Open last month.

“I feel like I was playing the right way the whole time, other than maybe a lot of double faults,” Gauff said. “But other than that, I was playing the right way. Just missing sometimes. She was playing a very high level.

“I was just trying to get on the scoreboard and keep trying to get points on the scoreboard. They turned into games. I was trying to stay in the moment.”

Gauff’s run to the final in Beijing has increased her points total by 260 points to 5,243 in the live WTA Rankings.

This puts her just 50 points behind world No 5 Jasmine Paolini and 238 points below fourth-ranked Elena Rybakina.

If Gauff were to claim the title, she would earn a further 350 points and take her tally to 5,593, which would see her leapfrog Paolini and Rybakina into the world No 4 spot.

The American reached a career-high ranking of world No 2 in June this year, but she dropped to sixth last month after her US Open title defence ended with a fourth round exit.

Holding a position in the top four of the rankings can be a significant advantage at big tournaments as the top four seeds cannot face each other until at least the semi-finals.

Gauff is seeking her eighth WTA singles title, and second at WTA 1000 level, in Beijing in what will be her ninth career final. She will take on world No 49 Karolina Muchova in the championship match on Sunday.

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