Cristina Bucsa Clinches Historic Double Victory at Open BLS de Limoges
In an extraordinary display of skill and endurance, Spain’s Cristina Bucsa triumphed in both the singles and doubles events at the Open BLS de Limoges, marking the final WTA 125 tournament of the 2023 season. This remarkable feat was accomplished in Limoges, France, where Bucsa showcased her exceptional talent.
The 25-year-old, currently ranked World No.82 in singles, started her victorious day with a stunning comeback in the singles final against French player Elsa Jacquemot. Despite a challenging start, losing the first set 2-6, Bucsa displayed remarkable resilience, overturning the match with a 6-1, 6-2 victory over the 235th-ranked Jacquemot in a battle that lasted 1 hour and 48 minutes. This win marks her first career WTA 125 singles title.
Bucsa’s route to the singles final was not without its challenges. In the quarterfinals, she faced a formidable opponent in 20-year-old French wild card Lois Boisson. Despite being down 5-0 in the first set, Bucsa made a remarkable recovery, saving three set points and eventually securing a 7-6(3), 6-2 victory.
In the singles final, Bucsa’s opponent Jacquemot initially dominated, building a 4-0 lead. Jacquemot exhibited strength in her first-serve points, winning 88 percent in the first set. However, Bucsa turned the tables in the second set, demonstrating her prowess with a commanding forehand winner that set the tone for the rest of the match.
The third set witnessed Jacquemot faltering with consecutive double faults, allowing Bucsa to capitalize on the momentum, eventually breaking her opponent for a 5-2 lead. Bucsa showcased her skill and mental toughness, recovering from 0-30 down and securing the championship on her first opportunity. This victory will elevate Bucsa to a career-high singles ranking of No.61.
Less than an hour after her singles triumph, Bucsa returned to center court for the doubles final. Teaming up with Yana Sizikova, they faced the No.2 seeds Oksana Kalashnikova and Maia Lumsden. In an impressive display of teamwork and strategy, Bucsa and Sizikova clinched the title with a 6-4, 6-1 victory. The duo overcame early setbacks in the first set, eventually winning 11 of the next 13 games, sealing the match in 68 minutes.
This victory adds a remarkable chapter to Bucsa’s career, with four WTA 125 doubles titles to her name in the last 13 months, each with a different partner. Sizikova, on the other hand, celebrates her second WTA 125 doubles title, the first being in Colina, Chile last November with Aldila Sutjiadi.
