Rebecca Marino and Irina-Camelia Begu, former Top 40 players, celebrated championship wins at the latest WTA 125 events. This week, the Canadian powerhouse Marino dominated on the indoor hard courts of the Dow Tennis Classic in Midland, Michigan, while Romanian clay-court specialist Begu triumphed in Cali, Colombia.
Marino’s Dominance in Midland
At the Midland final, No.6 seed Marino faced off against No.3 seed Alycia Parks, another powerful hitter and former Top 40 competitor. In a swift 6-2, 6-1 victory, the 33-year-old Marino, who once ranked World No.38, claimed her first WTA 125 title in just 57 minutes. With 81% first-serve points won and both break points saved, Marino showed impressive control. Marino’s path to the title included a nail-biting win over Louisa Chirico in the second round, where she saved a match point to win in a final-set tiebreak.
Brit Duo Wins Doubles in Midland
In doubles, No.2-seeded Brits Emily Appleton and Maia Lumsden took the title, defeating Ariana Arseneault and Mia Kupres 6-2, 4-6, [10-5]. This win marked Lumsden’s second WTA 125 doubles title and Appleton’s first.
Begu Triumphs on Clay in Cali
On the clay courts of Cali, No.2 seed Begu continued her remarkable year, defeating Veronika Erjavec 6-3, 6-3 in the final. The match saw Erjavec create 13 break-point opportunities, but Begu remained resilient, converting five of six break points in her favor. This win marked Begu’s fourth WTA 125 singles title and second of the year.
Erjavec and Mladenovic Secure Doubles in Cali
Erjavec found success in the Cali doubles final, pairing with Kristina Mladenovic to defeat Tara Wurth and Katarina Zavatska 6-2, 7-6(4). For Mladenovic, this title adds to her already impressive WTA 125 doubles achievements, which include 28 Hologic WTA Tour doubles titles and six women’s doubles Grand Slam victories.
