Mertens shocks Halep to win Doha

Belgium’s Elise Mertens rallied from a set down to beat top seed Simona Halep 3-6, 6-4, 6-3 and win at the Qatar Open on Saturday.

Mertens, ranked 21 in the world, recorded defeated three top 10 players in Doha this week on her way to winning the title.

“Honestly, I wanted to lift this beautiful trophy but Elise deserved it very much,” said Halep, who won the Doha title in 2014.

This was Halep’s first final appearance since August and she will rise one spot to No. 2 in the rankings on Monday. Naomi Osaka will remain the number one ranked player in the world.

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Opelka Wins First ATP Title in New York

Reilly Opelka smashed 43 aces on the way to winning his first ATP Tour title with a 6-1 6-7(7) 7-6(7) victory over Canadian Brayden Schnur at the New York Open on Sunday.

Opelka won the tight third set tie break by hitting his 43rd ace of the match for the victory.  Het hit 156 aces during the week.

“This is definitely what I’m most proud of,” Opelka told reporters. “I was tough mentally, especially losing a lot of first sets this week, and my first serve really helped me out. I was able to play clutch in those big moments.”

Schnur had never won an ATP Tour main draw match before this week.  The Canadian had to win two qualifying matches just to get in to the main draw.

“It’s a dream come true for me. This week showed that I belong in these big tournaments and playing against the top guys,” Schnur said.

“It’s unfortunate the way it ended because I left it all out there and did everything I could, but that’s how sports go sometimes

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