Number 1 seed Zheng Qinwen won her second straight title at the Palermo Ladies Open defending a title for the first time in her career. The Chinese player overcame number 2 seed and 2022 Roland Garros finalist Karolina Muchova 6-4 4-6 6-2 to win her 10th consecutive win at the Palermo tournament. The Chinese player has a record of 11 wins to 1 defeat at the Palermo Ladies Open. She lost her only match at this tournament against Jaqueline Cristian in the second round in 2022.
Zheng Qinwen avenged her 1-6 6-3 6-4 defeat in her only previous head-to-head match against Muchova at the Madrid Mutua Open in 2022.
Muchova was aiming to win her second career title in her third tournament since she returned a ten-month injury.
Zheng came back from a break down twice in the first set before breaking in the 10th game to seal the first set 6-4.
Muchova earned an early break to open up a 4-1 lead in the second set. The Czech player saved two four break points at 5-4 to win the second set.
Zheng earned an early break at the start of the third set to take a 2-0 lead with a forehand winner down the line. Muchova pulled back on serve at 3-2 with a crosscourt forehand winner on break point. Zheng converted her fifth break point in the next game to open up a 4-2 lead and cruised through to winning the match.
Number 1 seeds Alexandra Panova and Yana Sizikova came back from one set down to beat Yvonne Cavalle Reimers and Aurora Zantedeschi 4-6 6-3 10-5. Sizhikova won her second straight doubles title in Palermo. Panova claimed her ninth doubles title on the WTA Tour.
“It was a really tough match, because I think she is an amazing player. She volleys really well. She has a tough drop shot for me. There was lot of ups and downs. I was trying to be more aggressive in the third set and I am happy that worked out”, said Zheng.
