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Mona Barthel wins Prague Open for 4th WTA title

Sat., May 6, 2017

In this Feb. 21, 2017 file photo, Mona Barthel of Germany returns the ball to fellow German, Angelique Kerber, during the Dubai Tennis Championships, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. (Kamran Jebreili / Associated Press)

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J&T Banka Prague Open

WTA TOUR

Saturday’s Results

At TK Sparta Praha, Prague, Czech Republic

Purse: $226,750 (Intl.)

Surface: Clay-Outdoor

Singles – Championship

Mona Barthel, Germany, def. Kristyna Pliskova, Czech Republic, 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

PRAGUE – Qualifier Mona Barthel of Germany rallied to win the Prague Open on Saturday, beating unseeded Kristyna Pliskova of the Czech Republic 2-6, 7-5, 6-2.

Barthel broke Pliskova for a 4-2 lead in the final set before converting her second match point for her fourth WTA title and the first since 2014.

“I can’t believe it,” Barthel said. “Somehow, I made it. I’m completely exhausted.”

The 82nd-ranked Barthel saved three match points in the second round of qualifying on her way to victory in the final.

Barthel dropped her serve Saturday to go 3-4 down in the second set but she got a break back in the following game. The German wasted a set point at 5-4 but converted her second set point to take the set 7-5.

Barthel improved her record against the 58th-ranked Czech to 2-1.

In the first set, Barthel dropped her serve in the opening game with two straight double faults. Pliskova broke her twice more before serving out the set.

“I’m sorry I didn’t make it,” said Pliskova who was seeking her second WTA title.

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