Niculescu Upsets Kvitova, Knots 1st Title in Over 2 Years at WTA Luxembourg

Monica Niculescu ousted top seed Petra Kvitova 6-4, 6-0 to win her first title at the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open.
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It was the Romanian’s third straight final in three appearances in Luxembourg after losing finals in 2011-12.

“It was my best match this year,” said Niculescu who won her first title of the year. “I felt fantastic on the court, and after I took the first set I felt even better. I was feeling very light on the court and was catching every ball. I felt like nothing surprised me. But, wow, to beat Petra in the final? That’s the best moment in my life, I think.”

Niculescu’s slice-and-dice game kept the Czech off balance throughout the contest.

“I just have to congratulate Moni on a great week,” Kvitova said in the on-court ceremony. “You caught everything today, it’s too bad I had to play against you. Congrats to your team and enjoy your off-season.”

The 29-year-old Niculescu captured the title on her mother’s birthday. “She’s not here, but happy birthday mom!” she said during the on-court ceremony. It was her first title since Guangzhou in 2014, and she improved to 3-4 in career finals.

The Monte Carlo resident Kvitova fell to 1-1 in finals this year after winning Wuhan, and 18-7 in career finals.