Estonian Kaia Kanepi emerged as the winner of the Brussels Open on Saturday with an impressive victory over China’s Peng Shuai 7-6, 6-4. The final took place just mere hours after the semifinal matches were concluded.
Shuai battled for more than two hours but prevailed against Romina Oprandi in three sets while Kanepi overcame tough challenge from USA’s Jamie Hampton in the other semifinals. The two winners then had to rest for a few hours and prepare for another arduous battle for the trophy.
“It was a difficult second set where I had match point in many games but just couldn’t finish it,” Kanepi said. “I was playing really well until 62 52, but I’ve had problems like this before. I just kept trying to pump myself up and not get too negative about losing the situations I had earlier.”
This is Kanepi’s fourth career WTA title and the Estonian said taht the victory has just boosted her confidence going into future tournament after having had a tough 2012 season where she had to sit out for about half a year due to injury.
“This makes me feel very happy after such a hard half year when I was out injured. I started playing again on clay, which I really like, and I’ve been getting my confidence back week after week.”
