Alize Cornet wins marathon match at Katowice Open final, defeats Giorgi

Frenchwoman Alize Cornet won a marathon match in the final of the BNP Paribas Katowice Open 2014 on Sunday after she defeated Camila Giorgi of Italy to secure her fourth career WTA title. Giorgi is a first-time finalist.

Cornet prevailed in a match that lasted three hours and 11 minutes with a 7-6, 5-7, 7-5 scorelines. It is the fifth-longest match of the season.

“What a match,” Cornet said. “It was definitely a huge fight, which is what I expected, and I had to save a match point to win the title, so it feels very special. I gave everything I had.

“I’m so happy I could win here at this beautiful tournament in Katowice.”

Cornet had a fantastic run in the WTA International event, including ousting top-seed and hometown favorite Agnieszka Radwanska in the semifinals.

Meanwhile, Giorgi had a memorable run to her first WTA final. She defeated two top 20 players along the way including Roberta Vinci and Carla Suarez Navarro.