Slovakia’s Dominika Cibulkova is on the verge of making it in the world’s top 10 for the first time after she won the Abierto Mexicano TELCEL title. Cibulkova defeated Christina McHale of United States 7-6, 4-6, 6-4 in a match that lasted almost three hours. The title victory elevated the Australian Open 2014 finalist’s ranking to number 11, her career high ranking to date.
“I expected a really tough match and this was over my expectations,” Cibulkova said. “I have to say, it was an extremely tough match. Her defense was amazing today. We had so many long rallies and the match was so up and down, but I was fighting for every point and I’m really happy I could win this.
“I’m really, really tired right now because I had to dig so deep, physically and mentally.”
McHale was still pleased with the results despite the loss.
“It was really nice to make my first WTA final here,” McHale said. “I think this tournament is one of the nicest ones on the tour. It’s a great tournament and the fans are amazing – they’re really into it.
“I was happy with the way I fought today,” the American added. “I think Dominika played really well today – I was just trying to stay with her. But hopefully there will be more finals to come for me.”
The doubles event was won by number tow seeds Kristina Mladenovic and Galina Voskoboeva after the duo defeated Iveta Melzer and Petra Cetkovska 6-3, 2-6, 10-5.
