Jessica Pegula overpowered a weary Liudmila Samsonova to clinch the second WTA 1000 title of her career on Sunday with a victory in the Montreal Open.

The 29-year-old American world number three dominated her Russian opponent from start to finish to claim a whirlwind 6-1, 6-0 triumph in just 49 minutes.

Fifteenth-seed Samsonova had battled through to the final after winning a gruelling three-set semi-final earlier Sunday against third seed Elena Rybakina in a match held over from Saturday due to torrential rain.

But the challenge of winning twice in one day ultimately proved too much for Samsonova, a rampant Pegula determined to claim her second elite WTA title after victory in Guadalajara last year.

"I know obviously physically she wasn't feeling her best, but at the same time I played a really clean match," Pegula said after her win.

"I don't think I made any unforced errors or anything. I played kind of a perfect match."&nbsp;

Pegula admitted, however, that she would have preferred to have faced a properly rested Samsonova.

"It's not ideal... it sucks when you feel like you're not on a really fair playing ground, especially someone like her who is such a great player," Pegula said.

Samsonova, meanwhile, said the schedule had taken its toll, with little time to rest and recuperate between the semi-final and the final.

"I didn't have time to regenerate because I was in the physio room to tape all my body, and it takes one hour. I was out of the court and then again in, it was strange," she said.

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Pegula, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, was quickly into her groove with an early break in the opening set to go 3-1 up.

A superb crosscourt forehand put her 4-1 up before the visibly tired Samsonova was broken again in the sixth game to leave Pegula serving for the set.

Pegula, who defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals on Saturday, slammed down an ace to move to set point, then bludgeoned another ace to close out the set.

Samsonova's troubles continued in the second set, with a double fault gifting Pegula a break in the opening game.

From that point, it became simply a question of how quickly Pegula would wrap up victory, and the American was in no mood to drag out the second set.

A brilliant backhand crosscourt volley helped set up a break for a 3-0 lead and she then reeled off three more games to seal an emphatic win.

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Jessica Pegula overpowered a weary Liudmila Samsonova to clinch the second WTA 1000 title of her career on Sunday with a victory in the Montreal Open. The 29-year-old American world number three dominated her Russian opponent from start to finish to claim a whirlwind 6-1, 6-0 triumph in just 49 minutes.

Jessica Pegula overpowered a weary Liudmila Samsonova to clinch the second WTA 1000 title of her career on Sunday with a victory in the Montreal Open. The 29-year-old American world number three dominated her Russian opponent from start to finish to claim a whirlwind 6-1, 6-0 triumph in just 49 minutes. Fifteenth-seed Samsonova had battled through to the final after winning a gruelling three-set semi-final earlier Sunday against third seed Elena Rybakina in a match held over from Saturday due to torrential rain. But the challenge of winning twice in one day ultimately proved too much for Samsonova, a rampant Pegula determined to claim her second elite WTA title after victory in Guadalajara last year. "I know obviously physically she wasn't feeling her best, but at the same time I played a really clean match," Pegula said after her win. "I don't think I made any unforced errors or anything. I played kind of a perfect match." Pegula admitted, however, that she would have preferred to have faced a properly rested Samsonova. "It's not ideal... it sucks when you feel like you're not on a really fair playing ground, especially someone like her who is such a great player," Pegula said. Samsonova, meanwhile, said the schedule had taken its toll, with little time to rest and recuperate between the semi-final and the final. "I didn't have time to regenerate because I was in the physio room to tape all my body, and it takes one hour. I was out of the court and then again in, it was strange," she said. ALSO READ | India couldn't perform in ICC tournaments due to internal issues, claims former Pakistan captain Pegula, a quarter-finalist at the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, was quickly into her groove with an early break in the opening set to go 3-1 up. A superb crosscourt forehand put her 4-1 up before the visibly tired Samsonova was broken again in the sixth game to leave Pegula serving for the set. Pegula, who defeated world number one Iga Swiatek in the semi-finals on Saturday, slammed down an ace to move to set point, then bludgeoned another ace to close out the set. Samsonova's troubles continued in the second set, with a double fault gifting Pegula a break in the opening game. From that point, it became simply a question of how quickly Pegula would wrap up victory, and the American was in no mood to drag out the second set. A brilliant backhand crosscourt volley helped set up a break for a 3-0 lead and she then reeled off three more games to seal an emphatic win. WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

Tennis: Jessica Pegula overpowers Liudmila Samsonova to clinch Montreal Open crown

China returns to the Women's Tennis Association autumn calendar after a four-year absence with seven tournaments in the mainland and Hong Kong confirmed on Friday.

With the exception of last year's Beijing Winter Olympics, which took place in a "bubble", most global sport halted in China after the Covid-19 pandemic emerged there in late 2019.

The WTA had also suspended events in China for 16 months until last April in the wake of a sexual assault claim by Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai.

On Friday, the WTA announced the 2023 autumn calendar "outlining the tournaments that will take place following the US Open through to the WTA Finals" which takes place in the Chinese city of Shenzhen from October 30.

The Guangzhou event will be the first tournament in China starting the week of September 18.

It will be followed by Ningbo from September 25 with the China Open in Beijing from October 2, which is one of two WTA 1000 events scheduled along with Guadalajara from September 18.

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Zhengzhou will be included in WTA 500 events from October 9 along with San Diego and Tokyo, which both take place in September.

Guangzhou (September 18), Ningbo (September 25), Hong Kong (October 9) and Nanchang (October 16) are among WTA 250 tournaments, along with Osaka, Seoul and Monastir.

In addition the WTA Elite Trophy second-tier tournament takes place in Zhuhai in China from October 23.

The WTA said that along with the tournaments confirmed on Friday "continual expansion of WTA 125 events across several continents with an updated schedule released in the coming weeks".

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China returns to the Women's Tennis Association autumn calendar after a four-year absence with seven tournaments in the mainland and Hong Kong confirmed on Friday.

China returns to the Women's Tennis Association autumn calendar after a four-year absence with seven tournaments in the mainland and Hong Kong confirmed on Friday. With the exception of last year's Beijing Winter Olympics, which took place in a "bubble", most global sport halted in China after the Covid-19 pandemic emerged there in late 2019. The WTA had also suspended events in China for 16 months until last April in the wake of a sexual assault claim by Chinese tennis player Peng Shuai. On Friday, the WTA announced the 2023 autumn calendar "outlining the tournaments that will take place following the US Open through to the WTA Finals" which takes place in the Chinese city of Shenzhen from October 30. The Guangzhou event will be the first tournament in China starting the week of September 18. It will be followed by Ningbo from September 25 with the China Open in Beijing from October 2, which is one of two WTA 1000 events scheduled along with Guadalajara from September 18. ALSO READ | WTC final against India is our grand-finale ahead of Ashes 2023, says Australian spinner Nathan Lyon Zhengzhou will be included in WTA 500 events from October 9 along with San Diego and Tokyo, which both take place in September. Guangzhou (September 18), Ningbo (September 25), Hong Kong (October 9) and Nanchang (October 16) are among WTA 250 tournaments, along with Osaka, Seoul and Monastir. In addition the WTA Elite Trophy second-tier tournament takes place in Zhuhai in China from October 23. The WTA said that along with the tournaments confirmed on Friday "continual expansion of WTA 125 events across several continents with an updated schedule released in the coming weeks". WATCH WION LIVE HERE You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us here.

China returns to WTA calendar in autumn after four years

Kazakhstan tennis player Elena Rybakina has secured a Top 5 debut in the WTA Tour Rankings because of her recent great performance in tournaments.

Born in Moscow, Russia but representing Kazakhstan, Elena is currently at the world No.6 spot in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings. The 23-year-old has already won the Wimbledon Title in 2022. She reached the final of the Australian Open in 2023 and made it to the quarter-final of the French Open in 2021. She also finished as runners-up in Miami Open this year.

Her recent silverware was the Indian Wells trophy in March of this year.

<h2>Rybakina on the rise</h2>

Elena Rybakina now has a strong chance to see herself in the Top four seeding in the upcoming French Open if she manages to win the Italian Open title.

"Rankings Watch With a title in Indian Wells and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Miami, Rybakina has secured a Top debut by virtue of her progress in Rome. She now has a chance to secure a Top 4 seeding at Roland Garros if she wins her second WTA 1000 title of the year at the @InteBNLdItalia," tweeted WTA.

Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina stormed into the final of the ongoing Italian Open 2023 after a win over 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinal at Rome.

Rybakina has advanced to her third WTA 1000 final of the season with this win by 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted for one hour and 33 minutes on Friday.

Rybakina entered the match behind Ostapenko 2-1 in the head-to-head. The Latvian won the first two meetings, in Linz in 2019 and Eastbourne in 2021. Rybakina won their last meeting on the hard courts of the Australian Open in January. Rybakina has now tied their head-to-head at 2-2 after winning their first clay match.

ALSO READ |&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/forget-retiring-this-season-husseys-latest-prediction-about-dhoni-could-see-him-playing-for-next-5-years-594379">Forget retiring this season, Hussey's latest prediction about Dhoni could see him playing for next 5 years</a>

Rybakina got off to a fast start, breaking Ostapenko twice to take a 4-1 lead. After 43 minutes, the WTA Tour's ace leader kept control of her service games to seal the first set with her fifth ace of the match.

However, Ostapenko swiftly recovered in the early portions of the second set. Ostapenko broke for the first time in her ninth Rome appearance, powering down a forehand return winner to go up 2-0. As the rain began to fall heavier, she saved a break point to increase her lead to 4-1.

After a brief rain delay, Ostapenko went behind on her serve at 4-2, 15-40, before a long rain delay was implemented. When play restarted, Ostapenko won just four points the rest of the way as Rybakina completed her comeback from a 4-1 deficit.

Rybakina will lock horns with Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina on Saturday night's final. Rybakina and Kalinina have only met once, with the Ukrainian winning in three sets last year in Charleston. Rybakina was defeated 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 by Kalinina.

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Kazakhstan tennis player Elena Rybakina has secured a Top 5 debut in the WTA Tour Rankings because of her recent great performance in tournaments. Born in Moscow, Russia but representing Kazakhstan, Elena is currently at the world No.

Kazakhstan tennis player Elena Rybakina has secured a Top 5 debut in the WTA Tour Rankings because of her recent great performance in tournaments. Born in Moscow, Russia but representing Kazakhstan, Elena is currently at the world No.6 spot in the Women's Tennis Association (WTA) Rankings. The 23-year-old has already won the Wimbledon Title in 2022. She reached the final of the Australian Open in 2023 and made it to the quarter-final of the French Open in 2021. She also finished as runners-up in Miami Open this year. Her recent silverware was the Indian Wells trophy in March of this year. Rybakina on the rise Elena Rybakina now has a strong chance to see herself in the Top four seeding in the upcoming French Open if she manages to win the Italian Open title. "Rankings Watch With a title in Indian Wells and runner-up finishes at the Australian Open and Miami, Rybakina has secured a Top debut by virtue of her progress in Rome. She now has a chance to secure a Top 4 seeding at Roland Garros if she wins her second WTA 1000 title of the year at the @InteBNLdItalia," tweeted WTA. Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina stormed into the final of the ongoing Italian Open 2023 after a win over 20th seed Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinal at Rome. Rybakina has advanced to her third WTA 1000 final of the season with this win by 6-2, 6-4 in a match that lasted for one hour and 33 minutes on Friday. Rybakina entered the match behind Ostapenko 2-1 in the head-to-head. The Latvian won the first two meetings, in Linz in 2019 and Eastbourne in 2021. Rybakina won their last meeting on the hard courts of the Australian Open in January. Rybakina has now tied their head-to-head at 2-2 after winning their first clay match. ALSO READ | Forget retiring this season, Hussey's latest prediction about Dhoni could see him playing for next 5 years Rybakina got off to a fast start, breaking Ostapenko twice to take a 4-1 lead. After 43 minutes, the WTA Tour's ace leader kept control of her service games to seal the first set with her fifth ace of the match. However, Ostapenko swiftly recovered in the early portions of the second set. Ostapenko broke for the first time in her ninth Rome appearance, powering down a forehand return winner to go up 2-0. As the rain began to fall heavier, she saved a break point to increase her lead to 4-1. After a brief rain delay, Ostapenko went behind on her serve at 4-2, 15-40, before a long rain delay was implemented. When play restarted, Ostapenko won just four points the rest of the way as Rybakina completed her comeback from a 4-1 deficit. Rybakina will lock horns with Ukraine's Anhelina Kalinina on Saturday night's final. Rybakina and Kalinina have only met once, with the Ukrainian winning in three sets last year in Charleston. Rybakina was defeated 4-6, 6-2, 6-4 by Kalinina. WATCH WION LIVE HERE <iframe allow="accelerometer; autoplay; encrypted-media; gyroscope; picture-in-picture" allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="350" src=https://www.wionews.com/live-tv/embed?autoplay=1&mute=1 width="100%" loading=”lazy”></iframe> You can now write for wionews.com and be a part of the community. Share your stories and opinions with us <a href="https://www.wionews.com/content-contribution-registration-form">here</a>.

Tennis: Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina secures top 5 debut in WTA Tour rankings

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings.

The 20-year-old Swiatek claimed six of those breaks including two in a one-sided second set, winning a second consecutive WTA 1000 title with a forehand winner.

Trailing 5-4 in the first set, Sakkari led 40-30 but sent two backhands into the net to give Swiatek a set point, which the Greek saved with a forehand winner.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/isl-final-2022-hyderabad-fc-hold-nerve-to-clinch-maiden-title-beat-kerala-blasters-on-penalty-shoot-out-464243">ISL final 2022: Hyderabad FC hold nerve to clinch maiden title, beat Kerala Blasters on penalty shoot-out</a>

The final got off to a sketchy start with four straight breaks of serve but Swiatek got the grip in the tricky conditions as she broke twice in the second game of the second set for a 5-1 lead.

She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline.

With this win, Swiatek becomes the first woman to reach 20 match victories this season.

Former French Open champion Swiatek is the first Polish woman to claim the title at Indian Wells.

"At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think about winning, honestly, of course you have to believe in yourself, but I'm a realistic person," Iga Swiatek said in her post-match press conference.

ALSO READ:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/formula-one-charles-leclerc-wins-season-opening-bahrain-gp-as-ferrari-finishes-1-2-464227">Formula One: Charles Leclerc wins season-opening Bahrain GP as Ferrari finishes 1-2</a>

"Winning after playing so well in Doha is giving me a lot of confidence and kind of belief that I can do it...I wouldn't think of myself as someone who's ready to play two tournaments in a row and win it. For sure hard work is paying off," said Swiatek.

"[The World No.2 ranking is] pretty surreal for now. I have to look at it and I have to check the rankings by myself and just see it. Right now it's too surreal to describe it, honestly....But for sure I want to go higher because I feel like getting No. 1 is closer and closer," she added.

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings.

Iga Swiatek of Poland defeated Maria Sakkari of Greece 6-4, 6-1 on Sunday to win the Indian Wells Open title and move up to number two in the Women's singles world rankings. The 20-year-old Swiatek claimed six of those breaks including two in a one-sided second set, winning a second consecutive WTA 1000 title with a forehand winner. Trailing 5-4 in the first set, Sakkari led 40-30 but sent two backhands into the net to give Swiatek a set point, which the Greek saved with a forehand winner. ALSO READ: ISL final 2022: Hyderabad FC hold nerve to clinch maiden title, beat Kerala Blasters on penalty shoot-out The final got off to a sketchy start with four straight breaks of serve but Swiatek got the grip in the tricky conditions as she broke twice in the second game of the second set for a 5-1 lead. She served out the match, winning on a forehand in the corner of the baseline. With this win, Swiatek becomes the first woman to reach 20 match victories this season. Former French Open champion Swiatek is the first Polish woman to claim the title at Indian Wells. "At the beginning of the tournament, I wouldn't even think about winning, honestly, of course you have to believe in yourself, but I'm a realistic person," Iga Swiatek said in her post-match press conference. ALSO READ: Formula One: Charles Leclerc wins season-opening Bahrain GP as Ferrari finishes 1-2 "Winning after playing so well in Doha is giving me a lot of confidence and kind of belief that I can do it...I wouldn't think of myself as someone who's ready to play two tournaments in a row and win it. For sure hard work is paying off," said Swiatek. "[The World No.2 ranking is] pretty surreal for now. I have to look at it and I have to check the rankings by myself and just see it. Right now it's too surreal to describe it, honestly....But for sure I want to go higher because I feel like getting No. 1 is closer and closer," she added.

Indian Wells: Iga Swiatek beats Maria Sakkari to claim WTA 1000 title, becomes world no. 2

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said.

Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out&nbsp;from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles.

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/was-boxing-in-rio-olympics-2016-rigged-independent-probe-reveals-shocking-details-of-bout-manipulation-417377">Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation'</a>

"Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday.

"I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year."

Also read:&nbsp;<a href="https://www.wionews.com/sports/beijing-olympics-rules-out-overseas-fans-over-virus-threat-417177">Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat</a>

Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing.

Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.

World number two Aryna Sabalenka will not play at the Indian Wells tournament after testing positive for COVID-19, the 23-year-old said. Sabalenka, who lost to Canadian teenager Leylah Fernandez in the U.S. Open semifinal last month, was the top seed in the women's draw at the Indian Wells after world number one Ash Barty pulled out from the WTA 1000 event near Los Angeles. Also read: Was boxing in Rio Olympics 2016 rigged? Independent probe reveals shocking details of 'bout manipulation' "Unfortunately I've tested positive at Indian Wells and won't be able to compete," Belarusian Sabalenka wrote on her Instagram story on Saturday. "I've started my isolation and I'll be staying here until I'm cleared by the doctors and health officials. So far I'm looking ok but really sad to not be able to play this year." Also read: Beijing Olympics rules out overseas fans over virus threat Sabalenka's absence is another blow to the Oct. 4-17 event, with men's world number one Novak Djokovic, 2018 champion Naomi Osaka and 23-times Grand Slam champion Serena Williams also not competing. Sabalenka has already qualified for the season-ending WTA Finals, contested by the world`s top eight singles players and eight doubles teams, which will be held next month in Guadalajara, Mexico.

World no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Indian Wells

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Tennis: Jessica Pegula overpowers Liudmila Samsonova to clinch Montreal Open crown

China returns to WTA calendar in autumn after four years

Tennis: Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina secures top 5 debut in WTA Tour rankings

Indian Wells: Iga Swiatek beats Maria Sakkari to claim WTA 1000 title, becomes world no. 2

World no. 2 Aryna Sabalenka tests positive for COVID-19, ruled out of Indian Wells