By Tennis Now | Sunday, June 17, 2018
Aleksandra Krunic won nine of the last 10 games beating Kirsten Flipkens, 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-1, to win her maiden title in 's-Hertogenbosch.
Photo credit: Libéma Open Facebook
Grass-court deficits are only opportunities for a determined Aleksandra Krunic.
The seventh-seeded Serbian twice rallied from a set and a break down outlasting Kirsten Flipkens, 6-7 (0), 7-5, 6-1, to capture her first career WTA singles crown on the lawn of 's-Hertogenbosch.
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The 25-year-old Krunic is the first Serbian woman to win a WTA title since former world No. 1 Jelena Jankovic defeated Angelique Kerber to win the 2015 Hong Kong crown.
Krunic's breakthrough title did not come easy.
Yesterday, the slender baseliner fought back from from a set and a break down then saved a match point in the final set, squeezing out a 2-6, 7-6 (4), 7-6 (1) comeback conquest of CoCo Vandeweghe in the semifinals.
Today, Krunic again staged a determined rally.
The 60th-ranked Flipkens servd for the match at 7-6, 5-4, but Krunic came up with the break then blew the match open.
Krunic reeled off nine of the last 10 games to break through for her first WTA championship in her second Tour-level final.
The 32-year-old Belgian, who retired from yesterday's doubles final due to leg cramping, couldn't keep up with Krunic in the final set.
"I don't know how you pulled this off, mate, but the fact that you didn't show how much pain you were in today, makes me respect you more," Krunic said afterward. "I think we're both champions, and I'm happy that I was able to stay [in the match].
"I was very nervous and it was tough for me to play, but I'm happy that I hung in there."