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Posted: 2023-01-08 08:01:16

World number five Aryna Sabalenka has ended Linda Nosková's impressive Adelaide International campaign with a straight-sets victory in the final.

Sabalenka defeated 18-year-old qualifier Nosková 6-3, 7-6 (7/4) to claim her 11th WTA Tour title.

Nosková enjoyed a giant-killing run in Adelaide, highlighted by her semifinal victory over world number two Ons Jabeur.

But Sabalenka's greater experience and power on serve proved crucial in Sunday's final, with the number-two seed securing the win over her Czech opponent in one hour and 43 minutes.

It was the Belarusian's first WTA Tour tournament victory since beating Ash Barty on clay in Madrid in 2021.

Sabalenka struck 17 winners to four in the first set and won the ace count 6-0.

The crucial moment came in the fifth game when Sabalenka snared the break, with the 24-year-old holding her nerve to secure the set in 37 minutes.

Nosková, ranked 102 in the world, fought tooth and nail to stay in the match, saving break points in the second set with the scores locked at 4-4 and again at 5-5.

But two double faults in the second-set tiebreak cost Nosková dearly, with Sabalenka going on to seal victory.

AAP

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