Abierto Mexicani TelCel, Acapulco, Mexico, WTA International

[Moxie]

Huge game to hold for Stephens. 4-4. This match is getting very good.

 

[britbox]

She's going to have to serve to stay in at 4-5 now. She has stepped up... Pocket Rocket is dialled in and playing with huge intensity. Pressure is on Sloane.

 

[britbox]

5-5! Sloane smacks a great DTL forehand to tie things up.

 

[britbox]

Wow, Sloane *broke* at 5-5, but challenged and Dominika wins the challenge. Replay point... which Domi wins.

Longest WTA final of the year to date.

 

[britbox]

Massive hold for Dominika, facing down break points and going through a heated discussion with the umpire... Leads 6-5. Sloane will have to serve to stay in it again. Good match.

 

[Moxie]

It is a good match. Longest women's final of the year, they said.

 

[britbox]

And now all comes down to a deciding tiebreak!

 

[Moxie]

TB it is. My nerves. I'm sort of hoping Sloane gets it.

 

[britbox]

Terrible miss by Domi at the net - played it right back at Sloane with the open court at her mercy. 4-2 Sloane on the change around.

 

[britbox]

3 MPs for Sloane... 1 just saved..

 

[britbox]

Sloane gets it on the third MP!! What a great battle.

 

[Moxie]

I missed the MP, so tell me if was a winner or UFE. Was a great match, though. Big girl tennis.

 

[britbox]

Dominika netted... it was probably the easiest MP chance she had.

Disappointed that she didn't win, but glad she made a match of it. She looked dead and buried at 1-3 and a set down...

Hopefully this will give the Pocket Rocket a base to work from going forward this season. She shouldn't be down in the mid-60s ranking-wise, that's for sure. Definitely a Top 20 player IMO.

 

[Moxie]

Agreed that Cibi is top 20 caliber. I like her game and love her fight. She made a match of it. I do want Sloane to get back in the fight, though, and I hope she builds on this win.

 

[britbox]

Sloane takes the title in a Battle Royale - 6-4 4-6 7-6

 

[britbox]

 

[britbox]

Sloane will rise to 23 (up 1) and Dominika will rise to 57 (up 9) when the new rankings are released.