By Chris Oddo | Sunday, October 12, 2014
American Alison Riske won her maiden title in Tianjin, China, defeating 17-year-old Belinda Bencic in the final in straight sets.
Photo Source: Tianjin Open
American Alison Riske came through a battle of first-time WTA finalists to secure the Tianjin Open title in China, 6-3, 6-4, over 17-year-old Belinda Bencic.
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Riske stormed out to a 6-3, 4-1 lead before Bencic rallied to level at 4-all in the second set and even had a break point for 5-4.
But Riske, seeded sixth, turned the momentum back in her favor to close out the hard-fought decision in one hour and 19 minutes.
“It’s a huge accomplishment for me to win my first WTA title,” Riske said after the match, according to the WTA,” and I was here by myself, which made it even more special, just to know that I was able to do it by myself.”
Bencic was bidding to become the WTA’s youngest title winner since 2006, but the rising Swiss will have to settle for her first final instead.
“She’s been playing so well this year and really has a bright future ahead of her,” said Riske.