Dimitrov, Nishikori, Sharapova, Torro-Flor Win Titles
Sharapova 3-peats for 1st Time at Stuttgart
Maria Sharapova defeated Ana Ivanovic in a battle of former No. 1s in the final of the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, her third title in a row in Stuttgart.
ADHEREL
“I had quite a slow beginning to the year, but me and my team have been working hard to get in the position to win titles again, and I’m so happy to be able to do it in Stuttgart,” Sharapova said.
Ivanovic led 6-3, 3-1 with a point for 4-1 but could not close it out. “It was always a few close balls to decide each game, and it went on the whole match,” the Serb said. “In the second set she definitely went for those big shots, though, and she made some amazing points. She’s just a great player, and that’s what happens when you play against great players in big matches like this.”
Nishikori Breaks Records with Barcelona Clay Title
Rafael Nadal had won the Barcelona title eight out of the last nine years. In the end, an Asian raised the Barcelona title for the first time ever when on Sunday Japan’s Kei Nishikori beat Santiago Giraldo 6-2, 6-2 in the Barcelona Open Banc Sabadell final.
According to the ATP he became the first Japanese-born player to win a claycourt title in the Open Era. It was his second title of the year and the fifth of his career.
“I was good on clay when I was little. Like 14 (years old). I was winning all the European juniors events,” Nishikori said. “There are three big tournaments coming up in Madrid, Rome and Roland Garros so I hope I can do well and increase my ranking points. My next goal is to get to the Top 10.”
Dimitrov Wins Bucharest, Closing on Top 10
Grigor Dimitrov captured his second title of the year and third of his career on Sunday, defeating Lukas Rosol 7-6(1), 6-1 for the BRD Nastase Tiriac Trophy title.
“I lifted my game, not having been happy with my previous matches in the tournament,” said Dimitrov who will rise to No. 13. “I knew I had to lift my level, especially after the first set.”
Rosol was happy with his runner-up effort. “I would have reached the semifinals at the start of the week, I would have taken it,” he said. “Grigor was just amazing today. I played good tennis, but Grigor was better on the court and I had no answer. I am sure he will break into the Top 10 very soon.”
Spaniard Torro-Flor Wins 1st Title in Morocco
Spaniard Maria Teresa Torro-Flor defeated Swiss Romina Oprandi 6-3, 3-6, 6-3 to capture her first career title at the Grand Prix SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem in Morocco.
“In the second set I started to lose my focus and Oprandi took advantage of that and took the set,” Torro-Flor said. “I called my coach to the court and he told me I had to keep focusing and work hard like I always do, and after that I started to play a bit better.
She is the sixth player to win their first WTA title this year after Garbine Muguruza (Hobart), Tsvetana Pironkova (Sydney), Kurumi Nara (Rio de Janeiro), Caroline Garcia (Bogota) and Donna Vekic (Kuala Lumpur).
You Might Like:
WTA Previews: Wozniacki, Cornet Headline Istanbul, Bastad
Sharapova Meets Ivanovic For The Stuttgart Title While Boyfriend Dimitrov Battles in Bucharest Final
WTA Previews: Serena, Genie Pull from Still-strong Dubai
Djokovic, Federer in Dubai: ATP/WTA Previews
Stosur Fail; Federer v Worm, Djokovic v Dimitrov Tues at ATP/WTA Madrid