Abu Dhabi (AFP)

And three for the Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka (10th in the world), who won her third title in a row on Wednesday by winning in the final of the WTA 500 tournament in Abu Dhabi at the expense of the Russian Veronika Kudermetova (46th) 6-2 , 6-2.

"I came to play a few games after a month devoted to preparation alone. I played six games and I am very happy to have been able to play so many and to have won the title," said the player. 22 years old.

Sabalenka ended the year 2020 by winning the Ostrava and Linz tournaments in quick succession.

She therefore kicks off her season in the best possible way with a new title, the 9th in singles of her career, and signs a 15th victory in a row.

At 22, she should reach 7th in the world on Monday when the WTA rankings were published, where she had never passed 9th place before.

The Abu Dhabi tournament, the first round of the 2021 WTA circuit, was organized at the last moment to allow players to compete a little more before the Australian Open, moved by three weeks (8-21 February).

"I'm leaving for Australia, and I have only one certainty: I will do everything I can to win games!", Said Sabalenka.

Due to health restrictions linked to the coronavirus pandemic, participants in the first Grand Slam tournament of the year are expected on January 15 in Australia to comply with a 14-day quarantine before being able to play.

During this fortnight, players will only be allowed to leave their hotel rooms for five hours per game to train at Melbourne Park, the tournament site.

Sabalenka explained that she had already made sure to have an exercise bike in her room.

“It's not just about keeping in shape, there is always something to work on and improve on, she stressed. As soon as you stop working to improve your game, you regress, and I think. that this is the key to successful people. "

For her part, Kudermetova can draw some positive results from her week in Abu Dhabi where, at 23, she played her first WTA final.

A result that will allow him to reach 36th world rank on Monday, his best ranking.

"I gained confidence. I beat good players and I feel well in sight of Australia," said the Russian, who notably eliminated world No.5 Elina Svitolina in the quarter-finals.

© 2021 AFP