Israeli wins in Pretoria
Despite the South African government's current hostility against Israel, Glushko was well-received by the crowds in Pretoria.
Israel’s Lina Glushko said, “It was a perfect week for me and I’m so overwhelmed,” after winning both the women’s singles and doubles titles at the ITF World Tennis Tour’s 2024 Pretoria WIPHOLD International, held in South Africa’s capital from February 19-25.
“I’m so happy to win both titles.”
Despite the South African government’s current hostility against Israel, Glushko was well-received by the crowds in Pretoria.
It was the 24-year-old’s third ITF singles title win since turning pro, and the highest level one, and it propelled her from a world singles ranking of 433 to 358.
She had been the singles runner-up in Pretoria in 2022 and 2023.
To make this year’s final, the unseeded Glushko won four matches in straight sets, including victories over the third seed, China’s Xiaodi You in the round of 16 and the top seed, Brazil’s Laura Pigossi, in the semis.
Glushko had to work hard against French opponent Manon Leonard in the singles final, but she emerged triumphant over the eighth seed, with a 6-3, 7-5 win.
In the doubles final, Glushko paired up with Gabrielle Knutson of the Czech Republic.
They formed a formidable combination, easily winning three matches to book a spot in the final.
Then they upset third seeds Sofia Costoulas and Hanne Vandewinkel of Belgium, earning a narrow 7-6 (7-5), 7-6 (7-4) victory.
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