Sloane Stephens vs Jelena Ostapenko (7-6 [7-5], 6-1)
The 2018 Miami Open women’s final is the last that would be played at Crandon Park Tennis Center before the tournament moves to the Miami Gardens next year. Hence, Sloane Stephens, who grew up playing at Key Biscayne, made it one final to remember.
Stephens delighted the live betting crowd and the home fans that came to cheer for her, beating online betting darling Jelena Ostapenko with a masterful performance to claim the winner’s trophy.
Pre-match betting odds were tight between the two stars who both won a Grand Slam in the past 12 months. However, Stephens used her solid defence to deny the reigning French Open champion a first title in Miami.
Stephens and Ostapenko showed their nerves in the opening and there were eight breaks of serve as the match headed to a tie-break. Nonetheless, Ostapenko’s 29 unforced errors allowed the American to prevail.
The Latvian came out alive in the second and immediately broke Stephens. However, it didn’t last long as Stephens showed a much-improved speed and continued to return Ostapenko’s hits.
The 2017 US Open champion then found her rhythm on the attack and cruised to a 3-1 lead before closing out the match in one hour and 31 minutes.
Post-game statistics showed how Stephens won. Ostapenko hit more winners, 25-6, but she committed a total of 48 unforced errors while Stephens only had 21.
It was Stephen’s first title in Miami and sixth of her career as she remains undefeated in all her finals appearances. With the win, the 25-year-old will also crack into the top 10 for the first time next week when the rankings are updated.
“This place is pretty special to me,” Stephens said after the game. “I’m definitely happy I could be the last person to win here. I’ve had some amazing experiences here, and I’ll definitely miss it.”
Maybe Isner can show what the American Dream looks like for young boys that love the sport.
For the latest sports update, promotions and betting picks with SBOBET get social with our official Twitter, Google+, YouTube and Facebook accounts. Visit SBOBET and join us now. Start placing your bets today!
Click for more tennis betting options.
