The Aegon Classic Birmingham champion exhibited resounding solidarity against her opponent’s powerful strokes, smacking back nearly everything that came her way. It was strong focus and calculated play on the part of the German that lead her to victory, recording only 14 unforced errors to her opponent’s 52. The titlist was decided when Pliskova sent the ball screaming into the net, resulting in an immediate cry of joy from the 27-year-old Angie. The match closed at 3-6, 7-5, 6-4.
Angelique has impressively secured all four of her titles this year at the Premier level, and all on different surfaces—green clay, red clay, grass and hardcourts. She now also ties Serena Williams for most WTA titles won this year.
Belinda Bencic (New Racquet, POLYTOUR HS 125) won her third title of the year at the Citi Open in Washington DC, putting her at two doubles titles and one singles title for the year. The 18-year-old Swiss fought past No. 1 seeds Alla Kudryavtseva/Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova in the semifinal, recording an impressive 6-2, 6-2 straight-sets win. They went on to meet No. 3 seeds Lara Arruabarrena/Andreja Klepac in the final, grasping another straight-set victory at 7-5, 7-6(7) to earn the title.
These hardcourt wins should prove as potent preparation for these players ahead of the final Grand Slam of the year—the US Open—on August 31st.
Tournament Results
Bank of The West Classic
Women’s Singles Final
[5] Angelique Kerber (VCORE Si 100)(GER) def. [4] Karolina Pliskova (CZE) 3-6, 7-5, 6-4
Citi Open
Women’s Doubles Final
[4] Belinda Bencic (New Racquet, POLYTOUR HS 125)(SUI)/Kristina Mladenovic (FRA) def. [3] Lara Arruabarrena (ESP)/Andreja Klepac (SLO) 7-5, 7-6(7)
*Photos of Angelique and Belinda taken at Wimbledon 2015