Five takeaways from Adelaide, Singapore, Montpellier finals

It has been a great week for Iga Swiatek, David Goffin and Alexei Popyrin. On Saturday, 19-year-old Swiatek emerged victorious at the Adelaide International. On the ATP front, Popyrin reached a milestone in Singapore, while Goffin returned to the winner’s circle—in Montpellier. (All photos Getty).

1

Swiatek Conquers Adelaide

The 19-year-old Pole did not lose a set en route to her second career WTA title. Playing in her third WTA final, Swiatek dropped just four games against Belinda Bencic. She has now won 16 of her last 18 matches.

“For sure it’s good for me, because I can see that I can play good tennis for the whole week. It wasn’t like one time during the French Open,” Swiatek said. “It gives me more confidence that I’m a more developed player, and I can play well more often. It just gives me motivation. It’s good.”

2

Popyrin Completes Dream Week

The 114th-ranked Aussie, who had yet to reach the semifinals at an ATP tour-level event before this week, lifted his first ever career ATP trophy in Singapore. Popyrin rallied from a set down to get past Alexander Bublik, 4-6, 6-0, 6-2.

“It feels unbelievable,” Popyrin said. “A lot of sacrifice, a lot of dedication and a lot of hard work went into this from myself, my team and my whole entire family. I have done it for everybody who was involved. I am just so proud that I could actually get it done.”

3

Fifth Title for Goffin

The Belgium clawed his way back from a set down to defeat Roberto Bautista Agut, 5-7, 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the Open Sud de France in Montpellier—his fourth straight victory over the Spaniard. It's Goffin's first title since capturing the Shenzhen Open title in Tokyo 2017.

“It’s never easy to win tournaments," Goffin said. This is my fifth and every tournament that I’ve won was very special. I had some opportunities, I’ve had matches [where] I had zero chance to win in the final. Sometimes you take it, sometimes not. I’ve played some finals, but you need to continue, you need to improve your game, you need to fight and I’m happy that it paid off at the end.”

4

Desirae Krawczyk and Alexa Guarachi Lift Adelaide Doubles Trophy

The American-Chilean tandem won their third crown together, defeating Hayley Carter and Luisa Stefani, 6-7 (4), 6-4 [10-3], on Saturday. Krawczyk and Guarachi, who reached the Roland Garros doubles final in October, were the No. 3 seeds.

5

Bencic Now 4-7 in Finals

The 23-year-old Swiss, who fended off 16-year-old Coco Gauff in the semifinals, hasn't won a title since capturing Dubai in 2019.

"I struggled a lot today with how different she played," Bencic said. "I just couldn't figure out her patterns or her serve or anything at all.