Andreeva's victory speech was also charming, as she again thanked herself to close her speech like she did when triumphing in Dubai. But Sabalenka played a guest-starring role by making funny gestures behind Andreeva as the youngster praised her for how she played in the California desert.

Sabalenka is also a better server than Andreeva, even if the teenager has done good work to that part of her game over the last few months. Also, while Andreeva is a better returner than Sabalenka, the small difference could be made up with the Belarusian getting to return weaker serves.