Russian Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova captured her ninth WTA title and fourth in Monterrey by beating Angelique Kerber in the final featuring the tournament’s top two seeds.
The second-seeded Pavlyuchenkova recorded the biggest victory of her career by winning the sole break of the first set and then, after losing the second set, capitalizing on an insurmountable 5-0 lead in the decider. Final score: 6-4 2-6 6-1.
In the first round of the Abierto GNP Seguros, Pavlyuchenkova defeated Tatjana Maria, then Kristie Ahn in the second round, fifth seed Timea Babos in the quarterfinals, third seed Caroline Garcia in the semis, and finally the world No.1 Kerber, who said to Pavlyuchenkova “It’s your tournament” while receiving the runner-up’s trophy.
Earlier today, another Russian, Daria Kasatkina, won her maiden WTA title at the Volvo Car Open in Charleston.(photos: Jimmie48)
Monterrey’s Queen is definitely Nastia! She loves coming back to this tournament and I think she’ll play here until the end of her career. What a way to win your 4th title in the same tournament by beating the World no.1 player. Makes it more sweeter!