 "Connecticut Open: Daria Gavrilova claims maiden WTA title with hard-fought win over Dominika Cibulkova")
New York: Australia’s Daria Gavrilova claimed her first WTA title on Saturday, rallying for a 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Dominika Cibulkova in the final at New Haven.
The 23-year-old, who ousted top seed and defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska in the semi-finals, followed up with a hard-fought triumph over second-seeded Cibulkova that saw them duel for two hours and 45 minutes on the hard courts of Connecticut.
For Gavrilova, ranked 26th in the world, it was a perfect curtain-raiser to the US Open, the final Grand Slam of the year that starts on Monday in Flushing Meadows.
She denied Slovakia’s Cibulkova, ranked 11th in the world, a ninth career WTA title.
When she drilled a forehand winner to seal the victory, Gavrilova leapt into the air and tossed her racquet in celebration.
She had turned the tide in the second set with a break for 3-2, winning a marathon game that included five deuces and one rally of 30 shots.
Gavrilova will have a couple of days to savor the triumph before launching her US Open campaign against US qualifier Allie Kiick.
Gavrilova could face fourth-seeded Elina Svitolina in the third round.
 "Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz, The Netflix Slam: Live Streaming, Timing, Date, Head-to-Head")
 "Ugo Humbert maintains perfect record in finals, beats Alexander Bublik to claim Dubai ATP title")
 "Alex de Minaur advances to Mexican Open final, to face Casper Ruud")
 "Jessica Pegula defeats Anna Blinkova to reach San Diego Open semi-finals")
 "Rafael Nadal vs Carlos Alcaraz, The Netflix Slam: Live Streaming, Timing, Date, Head-to-Head")
 "Ugo Humbert maintains perfect record in finals, beats Alexander Bublik to claim Dubai ATP title")
 "Alex de Minaur advances to Mexican Open final, to face Casper Ruud")
 "Jessica Pegula defeats Anna Blinkova to reach San Diego Open semi-finals")