Americans Trim Lawns as Vandeweghe Wins Dutch Title, Pliskova Edges Riske

Vandeweghe Mows Dutch Lawns for 2nd Grasscourt Title at Ricoh Open
ADHEREL
American CoCo Vandeweghe returned to her beloved grass this week, winning her second career title with a 7-5, 7-5 victory over Kristina Mladenovic in the Ricoh Open final at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, Netherlands.

The American’s only other title came at ‘s-Hertogenbosch in 2014.

“It was actually really difficult — we had three rain delay stops — so it was really difficult to get yourself back into the match and make sure you’re fresh and light and ready to go,” she said. “Especially the last rain delay in he first set. I was really trying to get myself moving.”

Vandeweghe improved to 4-0 career against Mladenovic, who fell to 0-2 in WTA-level finals. Through four straight-set wins en route to the final Vandeweghe dropped 22 aces on opponents.

“I got myself in a bit of a pickle in the second set, but I battled my way out of it, and sometimes the name of the game is just battling through adversity and problems you cause for yourself,” the American said.

Mladenovic, who beat top-seeded Belinda Bencic in the semis, this year won the Roland Garros doubles title with Caroline Garcia, and in 2014 reached the Wimbledon final with Timea Babos.

Pliskova Plies Grass Trade to Top Riske in Nottingham Final

Czech Karolina Pliskova edged American Alison Riske 7-6(8), 7-5 on Sunday in the final of the Aegon Open Nottingham championships in Great Britain.

Riske was up an early break in the second and had a set point serving at 5-4 after failing to capitalize on six set points in the first set. Pliskova improved to 3-1 career against Riske, with the pair contesting their first match against each other in approximately three years.

“I really didn’t count on having such early success on the grass so I am feeling good ahead of Wimbledon,” said Pliskova, who battled a hip injury during the event.

On Saturday Pliskova and Riske both won quarterfinal and semifinal matches as the tournament made up for rain days. Pliskova beat Aussie Ashleigh Barty 7-6(2), 7-6(7) then No. 4 seed Monica Puig 6-2, 6-2. Riske beat Anett Kontaveit and Saisai Zheng to reach her second WTA final of the year.

Pliskova improved to 5-8 in career finals while Riske fell to 1-2.

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