By Richard Pagliaro | Saturday, June 26, 2021
Angelique Kerber broke serve six times stopping Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-2 capturing her 13th WTA title at the inaugural Bad Homburg Open.
Photo credit: @BadHomburgOpen
Angelique Kerber waited three years for this title moment and took it on the rise.
A committed Kerber conquered Katerina Siniakova 6-3, 6-2 thrilling home fans by capturing her 13th career championship at the inaugural Bad Homburg Open.
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The former world No. 1 collected her first title since she defeated Serena Williams in the 2018 final. Kerber solidified her status as a Wimbledon contender winning her third grass-court title with her 75th career match win on the lawn. Only 23-time Grand Slam champion Serena Williams (107) and Venus Williams (96) own more grass-court wins among active WTA players.
"It's a really special one to win here," a joyous Kerber said. "I just want to thank all the fans for supporting us. It's a great feeling. Thank you."
The Bad Homburg lawn has been revitalizing for Kerber, who rallied from a deep 6-3, 3-1 hole against Petra Kvitova in the semifinals stopping the two-time Wimbledon champion 3-6, 6-4, 7-6. That came after Kerber fought back from a set down to defeat Amanda Anisimova 2-6, 6-3, 6-3 in the quarterfinals.
Facing the hard-hitting Siniakova today, Kerber hit her flat lefty forehand into the corners to take charge and was particularly effective driving her signature shot, the forehand down the line, behind the Czech.
The pair traded four breaks in the first seven games as Kerber broke again for 5-3. Stepping into the corner, Kerber cracked a forehand down the line that dotted the baseline for set point and served it out for a one-set lead.
The three-time Grand Slam champion won eight of the first 10 points of the second set to go up 2-0 before Siniakova answered with a two-game run to level.
"It was a really amazing week for me," Siniakova said. "I really enjoyed [the tournament]. It was great so thank you for that. Of course congratulations to Angie it's a really big moment just being on the same court...I really enjoyed it so well done."
Continuing to drive the ball down the line with authority, Kerber closed on a four-game run, winning eight of the last 10 points played on Siniakova's serve to collect her lucky 13th career title.
The 33-year-old Kerber, who suffered opening-round exits at both the Australian Open and Roland Garros, will carry a 14-10 record on the season, including a 6-1 mark on grass, into her Wimbledon opener vs. 24-year-old Serbian Nina Stojanovic with a potential rematch vs. Serena Williams looming in round three of The Championships.