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[December 3, 2023, Macau] The “2023 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” got here to an thrilling shut at present with riveting matches from among the world’s greatest tennis gamers entertaining crowds right here on the Macau East Asian Video games Performed.
Holland’s Tallon Griekspoor, contemporary off a breakout season the place he reached three finals and picked up his first two profession titles, continued his effective kind in Macau with a commanding 6-3, 6-4 win over Croatia’s Borna Coric in 61 minutes to emerge because the champion of this inaugural exhibition occasion.
The in-form 27-year-old Dutchman, presently ranked at No.23, was imperious on serve and didn’t lose a single service recreation this weekend, saving the solitary break level he confronted at present and changing two out of the 4 he created, one in every set, to finish his successful debut.
Because it was the final match of the occasion, each males placed on a present for the group that had stayed again, making an attempt a higher number of drop pictures, overhead lobs and sudden returns to entertain spectators.
“Whether or not it’s an exhibition or not, you at all times attempt your greatest to win. However it’s a little bit simpler to play as there’s much less stress and strain, and you may attempt new and various things. I prefer it and it’s plenty of enjoyable. I hope all people loved it. Thanks for popping out – I’ve had a tremendous time right here in Macau. Should you guys need me to come back again, I’ll come again!” stated a beaming Griekspoor on courtroom after his win.
Earlier within the afternoon, American world No.10 Taylor Fritz and China’s Zhang Zhizhen took to courtroom for his or her battle for third place. Taking part in in entrance of his dwelling crowd, the plucky world No. 58 placed on a formidable show to oust his increased ranked opponent 6-3, 7-6 (1) in 67 minutes, hitting a exceptional 10 aces alongside the best way.
“It was not a straightforward match in opposition to Taylor. My efficiency was solely common within the earlier match so I’m comfortable to have redeemed myself at present. Taylor has a really robust serve in order that motivated me to serve nicely and play my greatest. I’m shocked to see so many tennis followers right here in Macau, and I respect everybody who got here out to assist me,” stated the 27-year-old Shanghai native.
Whereas this can be an exhibition match, it’s notably Zhang’s second victory over Fritz this 12 months. The Chinese language primary rallied from a set right down to defeat the American of their solely earlier encounter on the 2023 Madrid Masters.
The primary match of the day was a ladies’s singles showdown between Daria Kasatkina and Wang Xinyu. The duo had solely confronted one another as soon as earlier than, with Wang recording a straight units victory throughout their Spherical of 32 conflict on the China Open in October this 12 months. This time, nonetheless, it was the 26-year-old Kasatkina who prevailed, successful 6-4, 6-4 in a single hour and 9 minutes.
Regardless of struggling along with her serve within the first set, through which she notched 5 double faults, the world No. 18 improved her efficiency within the second set, hitting two aces and showcasing some effective kind to beat her Chinese language world No.36 opponent in entrance of an enthusiastic crowd.
“I used to be training outdoor earlier than coming right here so I took a while to get used to the circumstances. There was additionally some strain taking part in in opposition to a Chinese language opponent in entrance of her dwelling crowd, so it was robust. Then I realised I didn’t wish to do the loser’s TikTok problem, so I stepped up my recreation,” joked Kasatkina after the match, referencing the challenges that each one match losers need to carry out right here on the “2023 MGM Macau Tennis Masters”.
The previous world No. 8 and six-time WTA Tour title winner paid tribute to the group that got here out to assist the occasion: “The group was nice and really respectful, so thanks for coming! I’m glad to see that Macau is investing to make the game extra fashionable right here. It’s my first time right here in Macau and all the pieces has been nice. I actually like this place and I’m very comfortable to see increasingly more folks participating with the game.”
Following the day’s matches, occasion organisers held a particular after celebration on the MGM Mansion to thank all of the gamers and their groups for supporting the occasion.
The “2023 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” is slated to return subsequent 12 months for the second version to steady spotlight the attraction of the cross-sector integration of “Tourism + Sports activities”, which additionally helped to additional elevate Macau as a world-class vacation spot of elite sports activities occasions.
Co-organised by MGM and IMG, the “2023 MGM Macau Tennis Masters” is honoured to have the assist of the Liaison Workplace of the Central Individuals’s Authorities within the Macao SAR, Sports activities Bureau, Macau Authorities Tourism Workplace and Macau Tennis Affiliation. The occasion is additional supported by esteemed companions, together with FILA because the official clothes shop, Bonaqua because the official water sponsor, and official trophy sponsor, Lalique.
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