Alison Riske beats Bencic for Tianjin Open title

American Alison Riske prevailed in the final of the Tianjin Open 2014 tournament, in a match that featured first-time WTA finalists. Riske defeated Belinda Bencic of Switzerland 6-3, 6-4.

“It’s a huge accomplishment for me to win my first WTA title,” Riske said following the conclusion of the match. “and I was here by myself, which made it even more special, just to know that I was able to do it by myself.

“I hope I can keep up the momentum and try to compete every week as best as I can.”

Riske gave her thoughts about the “Begin The Dream; Battle Your Heart” motto featured in the tournament.

“I would look at it every day when I came in the door,” she said. “I was like, ‘That’s a really good saying.’ I really liked it. And it’s so true. It’s just a great saying.”

“They should hang that at every tournament!”

Bencic, 17, was attempting to become the youngest player to win a WTA title since 2006 when then 15-year Tamira Paszek won Portoroz.

In doubles, Anastasia Rodionova and Alla Kudryavtseva won the title and have officially qualified for the WTA Finals Singapore. The duo needed to win the title in order to get the eighth and final slot for the year-end doubles championships.