Rediff.com« Back to articlePrint this article

Kerber ends Siegemund fairytale to defend Stuttgart title

April 24, 2016 23:07 IST

Angelique Kerber of Germany

World No 3 Angelique Kerber beat qualifier Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-0 on Sunday to defend her Stuttgart Grand Prix title and end her opponent's sensational run.

Siegemund, who had beaten top-10 players Agnieszka Radwanska, Roberta Vinci and Simona Halep in her previous rounds, raced to a 3-0 lead in the first set, frustrating the Australian Open champion with repeated drop shots.

Kerber, however, quickly reined in her fellow German, breaking the 28-year-old three times to clinch the first set 6-4.

Siegemund, the world number 71 who had never reached a WTA Tour final in her 10-year professional career, needed treatment for a back injury early in the second set.

She came back only to see Kerber inflict further damage with her trademark forehand down the line to go 5-0 up.

The left-handed Kerber then wrapped up the win when Siegemund sent a slice backhand into the net.

"It could not get any better here than today," said Kerber.

"In the first set I needed to find my rhythm in the beginning. She played a great tournament and I am happy I could beat her today. It was special to win here again."

After a demanding week, Siegemund felt her fitness was lacking in the second set.

"At the moment I am disappointed," she said.

"I am completely empty today. I could have played better but she did well. But I had a good week. I reached my limits. At such a level you need the fitness and after seven matches I was missing that today." 

Image: Germany's Angelique Kerber 

Photograph: Mike Ehrmann/Getty Images

Source: REUTERS
© Copyright 2024 Reuters Limited. All rights reserved. Republication or redistribution of Reuters content, including by framing or similar means, is expressly prohibited without the prior written consent of Reuters. Reuters shall not be liable for any errors or delays in the content, or for any actions taken in reliance thereon.