Romanian underdog Monica Niculescu has stunned top seed Petra Kvitova 6-4, 6-0, to win her first title since 2014 at the Luxembourg Open.
The world No.51 was able to dictate the match with the help of some world class slices as she dismantled the two-time Wimbledon champion in front of the pack crowd at the Kockelscheuer Sport Centre. Skilfully drawing the errors from her higher ranking opponent, Niculescu secured the 69-minute win after a Kvitova forehand drifted out.
“I love it here (Luxembourg). It feel like my second home.” Said Niculescu after lifting the trophy. “I feel so great, I have played three times in the final here and now I’ve won it. (It’s) an amazing feeling.”
A sensational performance from Monica Niculescu gives her a third career title, winning @Iwtp_lux over Kvitova 6-4, 6-0. pic.twitter.com/Gytaa7kZLe
— WTA (@WTA) 22 October 2016
As a result of her run to the third title of her career, the 29-year-old is set to enter back inside the world’s top 40 players for the first time since June. It is the second time within a month that Niculescu has reached a final on the WTA Tour after settling for runner-up at the Seoul Open in South Korea.
After becoming the first Romanian is history to win the title, Niculescu has the chance of achieving the double in Luxembourg as she is also playing in the doubles final alongside compatriot Patricia Maria Țig. The duo will play Kiki Bertens and Johanna Larsson. Niculescu has also ready won three WTA doubles titles this season.
In her happy @Iwtp_lux trophy speech, Monica Niculescu said today is her mom’s birthday, making her 3rd title a great gift! pic.twitter.com/e7JCOnYvkW
— WTA (@WTA) 22 October 2016
