Page 156 of Break Point
Freeman Outlasts Azarenka in Tiebreak Thriller to Secure Madrid Crown
New York Times Sports
MADRID, SPAIN
Belén Freeman, the 18-year-old rising star from the U.S., claimed her first career WTA 1000 title at the Mutua Madrid Open with a gritty 7–6(3), 6–4 win over Victoria Azarenka on Sunday.
The match opened with a dramatic first set, culminating in a high-stakes tiebreak where Freeman’s nerves proved unshakable.
“Tiebreaks are chaos,” she said after the match. “You win the first six games, they win the next six, and then it turns into a race to 7 by twos. One bad serve and the set’s gone. But if you lock in? It’s the fastest way to break someone’s soul.”
Break it, she did.
Freeman followed up her electric tiebreak performance by closing the second set 6–4, showcasing a fearless return game and that signature down-the-line forehand that’s become her trademark.
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Prize Money:€620,000
Ranking Points Earned:1000
CHAPTER 35
INTERNAZIONALI BNL D’ITALIA
MAY 16, 2011
Freeman Falls to Sharapova in Rome Semis
NBC Sports
ROME, ITALY
Maria Sharapova may have ended Belén Freeman’s run at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia with a commanding 6–2, 6–4 semifinal win, but the American teen’s clay-court surge continues to turn heads across the WTA tour.
It was Sharapova’s second win over Freeman this season, having also beaten her in Miami last March. But this time, Freeman made her work harder, hanging toe-to-toe with the former world No. 1 in extended baseline rallies and saving five break points in the second set.
Though seemingly disappointed, Freeman remained composed in her post-match press conference.
“Some matches don’t feel like losses,” she told the reporters. “My game wasn’t at its best, but one learns from every point. Maria is tough. It’s definitely an honor to get the chance to play against her again.” After a pause, she added with a smile, “I mean, I’m a big fan. Always have been. This one meant a lot.”
With 3,540 total points and great performances in Madrid and Rome, Belén Freeman climbs to No. 6 in the world and enters Roland Garros as the defending champion.
Sharapova praised Freeman’s fearlessness, noting, “The tour should be watching her closely.” Sharapova’s Rome run ended the next day in the final, where she was dismantled by top-seeded Zoya Kruschenko, 6–1, 6–0, a result that raises eyebrows heading into the French clay courts.
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Prize Money:€175,000
Ranking Points Earned:350
CHAPTER 36
ROLAND GARROS
JUNE 5, 2011
Freeman Defends Roland Garros Title Amidst Kruschenko’s Absence
