Karolina beats CoCo to grab Stuttgart Grand Prix title
STUTTGART:
Karolina Pliskova recovered from a slow start to defeat CoCo Vandeweghe 7-6 (72), 6-4 to claim the Stuttgart Grand Prix title yeterday.
The Czech fifth seed earned the second clay trophy of her carer after Prague three years ago and was the first from her country to play in the German final.
“I had such great support this week from the public and my team,” said Karolina, who collected her trophy after being driven across the court in the flame-red Porsche 718 Boxster cabriolet which came along with her prize money.
“CoCo played so well all week.” The 16th-ranked CoCo enjoyed a great run in Germany’s automotive capital after starting as a wild card entry because her agent forgot to enter her in the event.
The Californian, whose careerlong aversion to clay began evaporating during the best week of her life on the dirt, upset three top 10 players — US Open champion Sloane Stephens, World No 1 Simona Halep and France’s number seven Caroline Garcia.
“Thanks for the wild card,” CoCoCo said. “I’ve had a fantastic week.
“I tried my best in the final but I didn’t quite get there. Karolina played really well.
“I missed this year, but maybe next...”
CoCo had won three of their four previous meetings, but lost to the Czech in the Stuttgart second round a year ago.
The World No 16 was bidding to become the first American winner in Stuttgart since Lindsay Davenport in 2005.