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By Erik Gudris

Pavlyuchenkova Portugal Open (May 4, 2013) -- For Russia's Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova, it was the taste of victory. For her opponent, the bitter taste of disappointment once again in the finals of the Portugal Open.

Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro found herself back in the finals of Oeiras having lost a tough three set battle last year to Kaia Kanepi. She hoped to change her fortune this time despite having an 0-4 record against the Russian at the start of the match.

After going up an early break in the first set, it appeared Suarez Navarro might have figured out a way to beat the Russian. Suarez Navarro's sweeping one-handed backhand and use of body serves caused early problems for Pavlyuchenkova who is now working with former No. 1 Martina Hingis.

But when Suarez Navarro served for the set up 5-4, it was Pavlyuchenkova who stepped up her game by being more aggressive especially on her returns. The Russian fought off two set points and then broke Suarez Navarro for 5-all.

With her confidence surging, Pavlyuchenkova closed out the set 7-5 with a forehand winner while Suarez Navarro looked deflated by the turn of events.

A netted backhand from the Spaniard gave Pavlyuchenkova a quick 2-0 lead in the second set and from there she assumed control of the afternoon. The Russian had too much power for her opponent to deal with and soon had two match points on her racquet.

Pavlyuchenkova sealed the victory with a forehand crosscourt winner to clinch the 7-5, 6-2 win and with it her second title of the season and her first ever on clay.

A giggly Pavlyuchenkova shared a warm embrace with Hingis on the sidelines as the Russian now heads to Madrid for a first round meeting with Victoria Azarenka.

(Photo Credit: AP)

 

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