Why did Canada’s Rebecca Marino almost jump into the WTA Rankings’ Top 100 this week? The answer is simple. Just read our match report of her latest WTA125 match against Alycia Parks. And yes, it was a final.
Match Report – WTA125 Dow Tennis Classic Final in Midland, Michigan
First Set – Establishing Dominance
Right from the start, Marino displayed the aggressive baseline play that has defined her game. Her serve was a weapon, allowing her to secure quick points and keep Parks on the defensive. Marino capitalized on her forehand, frequently pushing Parks wide to set up opportunities to approach the net. Parks, known for her hard hitting, struggled to keep up with Marino’s fighting spirit, often forced into unforced errors as she tried to regain control of the rallies.
In the crucial third game, Marino earned her first break of serve, taking advantage of a slight dip in Parks’ service accuracy. This break allowed Marino to gain an early lead and play with greater confidence, dictating points from the center of the court and keeping her opponent guessing. The first set ended in a 6-3 win for Marino, as she closed it out with an ace.
Second Set – Handling the Pressure
The second set proved to be more challenging as Parks adjusted her strategy, aiming to be more aggressive and prevent Marino from settling into her rhythm. The rallies grew longer, with each player trading powerful groundstrokes from the baseline. Parks fought hard to defend her service games and even pushed Marino to deuce on several occasions, but Marino’s mental strength shone through.
In a critical moment midway through the set, Marino held serve in a tense, multi-deuce game that saw both players at their physical and mental limits. Her calm under pressure allowed her to maintain her momentum and keep Parks from capitalizing on any potential weaknesses. This pivotal hold seemed to break Parks’ confidence, and Marino seized her chance in the following game to earn a decisive break, putting her in a position to serve for the match.
Closing the Match – A Confident Finish
With her sights set on the title, Marino approached her final service game with composure. A series of well-placed serves and a few quick points later, she secured the match and the championship with a 6-3, 6-4 victory. This achievement is even more remarkable, considering she won the Midland title 14 years after reaching the semifinals there.
To top it all off, the 33-year-old will soon board a plane to Malaga with one objective: to defend Canada’s title in the Billie Jean King Cup.
