Double Dutch celebration in Seoul

Dutch players Marjolein Buis and Sam Schroder claimed the women’s and quad singles titles at the Korea Open in Seoul, while Alfie Hewett won the men’s event on Saturday.

After losing the first set 6-4 against South Africa’s Kgothatso Montjane in the final, world No. 7 Buis bounced back to take the remaining two 6-0, 7-6 (5) for her first singles title of 2019 and second Korea Open title since 2011.

“I’m very happy with this win. I had a tough draw this week and I only faced strong opponents,” said Buis. “I fought hard every match and in the last three rounds I came back from being one set down every time. It’s my fighting spirit that got me through the matches.

“I worked hard and I’m really pleased that it resulted in the singles title.”

Schroder seals third title of season

Netherlands’ world No. 7 Schroder wrapped up his third ITF 1 title of his career as he held off recent Busan Open champion and world No. 3 Koji Sugeno of Japan 0-6, 6-0, 7-6 (5).

“For me the past two weeks have been incredible; beating the world No. 2, 3 and 5 in a short period of time just feels unreal to me,” said Schroder, who had won the Daegu Open the week before.

“Today was a very tough match for both Koji and me, but I'm very glad that I kept fighting even when facing match points.

“Now I'm looking forward to the Super Series in Japan next week, and I will seek to continue my level of play of the past two weeks.”

Hewett defeats Gerard for second title

Hewett also became a two-time Korea Open singles champion after defeating Belgium’s top seed and world No. 3 Joachim Gerard 7-6 (6), 7-5 in the men’s final.

In his third Korea Open final in four years, Great Britain’s world No. 5 followed up his victory in Seoul in 2016.

Like Buis, Hewett’s first singles title of 2019 is also a timely boost ahead of the Japan Open, the third Super Series tournament which begins on Tuesday.