Bertens Beats Vekic For St. Petersburg Title

Kiki Bertens picked up her 8th career title beating Donna Vekic 7-6(2), 6-4 to win her first Petersburg crown.

“It’s a great feeling to hold the trophy,” Bertens said. “It was a really tough week. Every tournament has its challenges, but I think I played great the whole week. I didn’t start good today, but I was still able to turn the match around, so I’m really proud of that.”

Bertens won Cincinnati and Seoul since Wimbledon, but lost second round Brisbane, semifinals in Sydney and just a second round at the Australian Open. So the win makes up for a so-so start to 2019.

“There was a time when I was feeling too much stress on the court, and I didn’t enjoy tennis at all,” Bertens said. “I was close to quitting the game and had to get my energy and focus back. I set some new goals for 2018, and it ended up being my best year so far. Right now, I’m just enjoying my life, and tennis. I’m a really happy person right now.”

Vekic led in the opening set 5-2 but got railroaded as the Dutchwoman took 17 of the next 18 points.

The 22-year-old Vekic was seeking a 3rd career title. She had earlier beaten No. 2 Petra Kvitova. She’ll move from No. 35 to 30 in the new rankings.