Qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova of Bulgaria secured her career first title at the WTA Premier-level Sydney International 2014 on Friday after she defeated world number nine Angelique Kerber of Germany 6-4, 6-4 in a match featuring a number of momentum swings.
Interestingly, Pironkova has not advanced to a WTA final before, having gone 0-7 in semifinals, one of them a semifinal run at Wimbledon in 2011.
However, the Bulgarian produced her best game this week which saw her qualifying and even beat three top 10 players on her way to the title – Sara Errani, Petra Kvitova and Kerber.
“I didn’t really do anything that special tonight compared to the previous matches – I just kept the same level,” Pironkova said after the match. “I was just
trying to keep the ball in the court as much as possible and as strong as possible, and when I got my chances I was trying to make winners. That’s it,
really.
“I was nervous but tried my hardest not to show it. I was trying to concentrate so hard that I only saw the ball – I was only watching the ball. I was like,
‘Okay, just watch the ball and follow every point’,” she added.
Pironkova’s name usually crops out during the grasscourt season – especially during Wimbledon – where she made two deep runs in the past. This time, she wanted to win a title she can call her own.
“When I think about what I’ve been through, not only last season but throughout my career, it hasn’t been easy for me. Winning a WTA title is something I’ve
been waiting for for so long and something that I’ve missed so much. Now that I finally have it, it’s all surreal. I still cannot believe it, honestly.”
Pironkova earned $120,000 for the win and will get 470 ranking points which will be enough for her to grab the lead at the WTA Race to Singapore standings once these information are updated on Monday.
The doubles event was won by Timea Babos and Lucie Safarova, who capped an impressive week by defeating the top two seeds, including top-ranked Sara Errani and Roberta Vinci 7-5, 3-6, 10-7 in the final. The duo won $38,000.
