Germany’s Carina Witthöft overcame a second set wobble to defeat Monica Puig 6-3, 7-5, in the final of the Luxembourg Open.
The 22-year-old, who was playing in her first ever WTA Final, refused to be intimidated by the Olympic champion during the opening set. Puig appeared to be settled early on in the match as she broke for a 3-2 lead following a backhand error from the German. Witthöft immediately struck back with the help of some heavy hitting to retrieve the break. Her lack of experience proved irrelevant as Puig’s own game began to unravel with a series of errors. Allowing her opponent to claim four straight games and close the set out. Puig’s mood deteriorated further on set point when a Witthöft serve called out was overruled by the umpire. Prompting a heated exchange between the two.
On the verge of the biggest title of her career, the world No.73 blasted her way to a 4-1 lead before she experienced some stern resistance. Puig illustrated some of the play that guided her to defeating Angelique Kerber earlier in the week. The valiant efforts invested by the Puerto Rican rewarded her as she retrieved the double break to level 5-5. Drawing cheers from the crowd in the Kockelscheuer Sport Centre.
Puig’s admirable comeback was one short-lived. A nightmare service game featuring a trio of unforced errors allowed Witthöft to break once more and serve for the title. It was an opportunity seized as a perfectly placed served down the line from the 22-year-old on match point was unsuccessful returned.
“Winning my first WTA title feels unbelievable,” said Witthoeft. “I’m so happy now, it’s been a tough week, a tough final today. I’m just happy.
“To play the last tournament of the season and finish the season winning your first title is just perfect.”
.@WitthoeftCarina « I couldn’t be any happier » pic.twitter.com/ncFQwlHodY
— Luxembourg Ladies Tennis Masters (@WTAluxembourg) October 21, 2017
Puig’s tribute
Moments after losing her first final since Rio last year, 24-year-old Puig delivered a message directly to her homeland of Puerto Rico. Puig is raising money for the territory, which has been devastated by Hurricane Maria. Thousands of people have been left without electricity or clean water a month on from when the storm hit.
“To everybody that’s watching in Puerto Rico. This tournament is for you.” Puig said as she held back the tears.
“I know we have had our ups and downs, but I know everything is gonna get better. I am going to stand by your side and i’m going to be there to support every step along the way. We’re gonna come back stronger from this.”
Next week Puig will travel back to Puerto Rico to help with the humanitarian efforts. She will be joined by Maria Sharapova.
In the midst of the sorrow, is reason to celebrate. Her run in Luxembourg comes at the end of what has been a roller coaster season. Heading into her final event of 2017, Puig had only won 19 out of 39 matches played and dropped outside the top 50 in June.
“This year hasn’t been one of the best, but you guys stood by my side and you guys helped me.” She said to her team during the trophy ceremony.
“Thank you for believing in me and I hope that this will be the first of many finals that we play as a team.”
Puig will now rise back up to roughly 58th in the world following this week.
