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Kerber overcomes nerves to win maiden WTA title

Angelique Kerber holds her trophy aloft © PA Photos

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• Profile: Marion Bartoli | Daniela Hantuchova | Angelique Kerber

Angelique Kerber resisted a rousing Marion Bartoli fightback to defeat the home favourite 7-6(3) 5-7 6-3 and win the Open GDF Suez in Paris.

After four service breaks the first set was decided on a tiebreak, with the German taking it when Bartoli's backhand sailed long. Things got better for the world No. 27 when she broke to go 2-0 up in the second, before an attack of nerves stalled her with victory in sight.

Serving for the match at 5-3, Kerber buckled with the finishing line in view and Bartoli won four games on the spin to level the contest.

However, visibly tiring as the encounter got into the latter stages, Bartoli could not maintain her charge and eventually ran out of steam - allowing Kerber to become the first German winner of the event since Steffi Graf in 1995.

"It's incredible," said Kerber. "I don't know what to say. The match was so tough but I fought on all the big points. It's been a fantastic week."

Bartoli, who was in tears during the post-match presentations, said: "I pushed myself all the way but it was not enough."

Defending champion Daniela Hantuchova overcame losing the first set to complete a thrilling comeback and beat Maria Kirilenko 6-7(4) 6-3 6-3 in the PTT Pataya Open showpiece.

A single break apiece saw the first set head to a tiebreak, with fourth seed Kirilenko raising her level at the crucial time to move into the ascendancy.

The second was as enthralling - both players had multiple chances to break, but it was Hantuchova, the No. 3 seed, who took her chances. There were signs of nerves as the match moved into a decider; the growing number of double faults a clear reflection of the pressure being felt.

Hantuchova, by now swarming all over her opponent's weak second serve, pressed forward when returning and was rewarded with six break-point opportunities. Only two were converted but it was enough to hand the world No. 20 a fifth WTA career title - in three hours and 14 minutes - and first since winning in Thailand a year ago.

"I'm happy to defend my title - it was the first time I defended a title in my career, but it's better late than never!" Hantuchova said. "Maria and I both wanted to win the title today. She played so well and put a lot of pressure on me. Even after I lost the first set I kept fighting and never looked back, and I think I was also luckier tonight. Maria is a great player and a great person too."

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