Georgia women’s tennis’ Lopata secures ITF Hilton Head W35 singles title | Georgia Sports | redandblack.com

Georgia freshman Anastasiia Lopata prepares to hit a forehand on Friday, March 24, 2023, at the Dan Magill Tennis Complex in Athens, Georgia. The University of Georgia women's tennis team defeated the University of Tennessee 4-1. (Photo/Laney Martin @laneymartinphotography)

No. 735 WTA ranked Anastasiia Lopata took home the ITF Hilton Head W35 singles title after defeating No. 304 WTA ranked Elvina Kalieva. Lopata joined the main draw on Oct. 23 and had strong singles matches to reach her first career ITF title match.

In her first set against Kalieva, Lopata pulled ahead to get the 6-3 win. Lopata clinched the match in consecutive sets after winning 6-2 in the second set.

In the main draw first round, Lopata faced No. 596 WTA ranked Eszter Meri. Lopata initially fell in the first set to Meri 6-3 but rallied in the second set to win the 7-6(1) tiebreaker. After Lopata forced the third set, she had a dominating performance and advanced to the second round after a 6-0 win.

Fellow Bulldog Dasha Vidmanova joined Lopata in the first round and faced Ishika Ashar. No. 382 WTA ranked Vidmanova had a strong consecutive set win against Ashar after securing the first set 6-3 and closed out the match with a 6-0 win in the second set.

In the second round, senior Vidmanova faced Lopata in the deciding match for a quarterfinals spot. Vidmanova secured the first set after getting out to a 4-1 lead against Lopata. Lopata battled to get the match to 5-5 but ultimately lost to Vidmanova 7-5. In the second set, Lopata fought to force a third set after a 7-6(2) tiebreaker win. Lopata advanced to the quarterfinals after defeating Vidmanova 6-4 in the third set.

In the quarterfinals, Lopata faced No. 598 WTA ranked Karina Miller. Lopata won the first set after a strong 6-1 win. In the second set, Miller mounted a comeback and forced a third set after a 6-4 win. Lopata clinched a spot in the semifinals after a 6-4 win in the third set.

Lopata faced No. 811 Kylie McKenzie in the semifinals. After securing the first set 6-4, Lopata had an endangering performance in the second set, losing 6-0 to McKenzie. Lopata quickly recovered and punched her way into the finals with a 6-2 win in the third set.

Following the ITF Hilton Head W35 tournament in Hilton Head, South Carolina, the Bulldogs will travel to Tuscaloosa, Alabama on Nov. 1-2 to play in the Roberta Alison Fall Classic.

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