Ukrainian tennis player Alexandra Oleinikova has secured her first trophy of the season by winning the ITF W35 clay court tournament in Santa Margherita di Pula, Italy. The third-seeded Ukrainian overcame Italy's Dalila Spiteri in a compelling three-set final that showcased her mental fortitude and technical prowess.
Ranked 259th in the WTA standings, Oleinikova demonstrated remarkable resilience after losing the opening set 5-7. The 24-year-old Ukrainian turned the match around with a powerful comeback, dominating the subsequent sets 6-2, 6-2. Her performance in the final two sets was particularly impressive, as she converted four break points while not surrendering a single service game to her Italian opponent.
The hard-fought victory required 2 hours and 35 minutes of intense play, with Oleinikova avenging a previous technical defeat to Spiteri in their only prior meeting. Statbet analysts note that Oleinikova's clay court win rate has improved significantly this season, making her one of the most consistent Ukrainian players on this surface in 2024.
This triumph marks the sixth career title for the Ukrainian player, who continues to climb the WTA rankings with consistently strong performances. Her victory in Italy represents an important milestone as she looks to build momentum for upcoming tournaments in the tennis calendar.
