Radwanska Claims Auckland Title Over Wickmayer

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Radwanska Claims Auckland Title Over Wickmayer

By Erik Gudris

(January 5th, 2013) - Agnieszka Radwanska made her first trip to Auckland a memorable one as she didn't drop set all week at the ASB Classic en route to winning the title.

Facing Yanina Wickmayer, who was playing in her third final at the event, Radwanska got off to an early break lead in the first set. Playing catch-up throughout the set, Wickmayer used her coach's advice during a changeover to be more aggressive to help her level things at 4-all.

But Wickmayer's attempt to keep up with Radwanska's steady level of play proved too much as multiple errors, 26 in all, from the Belgian's racquet eventually gave Radwanska the set 6-4.

Wickmayer made things interesting when she got out to a 2-0 lead in the second set. But her advantage was short-lived as Radwanska broke back and soon found herself up 5-3. Wickmayer didn't give in though. Finding herself down 0-40 on her serve, Wickmayer fought off three match points and then another one before she finally held thanks to a forehand winner.

Radwanska felt the pressure of trying to serve out the match and allowed Wickmayer a break point at 5-4. But a poor return from Wickmayer cost her her chance. Radwanska, on her sixth match points, finally closed it out when Wickmayer sent a backhand wide. Radwanska sealed the 6-4, 6-4 win and with it her 11th WTA career title.

The doubles final proved to be a welcome comeback for Cara Black who returned to the tour after giving birth to a baby boy eight months ago. Black, teaming up with Anastasia Rodionova, beat the team of Julia Goerges and Yaroslava Shvedova. 2-6, 6-2, 10-5.

The Auckland title is Black's 55th career WTA title and now puts her 13th on the list in terms of all-time doubles titles on tour.

(Photo Credit: AFP/Patrick Kovarik)