Elena Vesnina stuns Sloane Stephens while Mona Barthel cruises into the final showdown at Hobart – Tennis News

Elena Vesnina stuns Sloane Stephens while Mona Barthel cruises into the final showdown at Hobart – Tennis News

The Russian star, Elena Vesnina, inched closer towards her dream of grabbing her maiden WTA singles title after upsetting eighth seeded Sloane Stephens in straight sets at the Moorilla Hobart International 2013 on Friday. On the other hand, Germany’s Mona Barthel remained on track to defend her title after triumphing over the Belgian contestant, Kirsten Flipkens, in straight sets at this WTA International level tournament held in Hobart, Australia.

The unseeded star, Vesnina showed exceptional skills to overpower the American with ease.

Vesnina jubilantly stated after pocketing the match in one hour and nine minutes, “We played a close game. I played well on the break points and that was why the score went my way. She’s young and upcoming and also a very dangerous player. I’m really happy to win in two sets and I’m pleased with my game today.”

Ranked 68^th in the WTA Premier Rankings, Vesnina went on a five-game killing spree before failing to pocket the set with a bagel. However, she held her serve once again clinched the opener with a 6-2 score line.

The 26-year-old maintained her intensity in the following set. She got the coveted break in the opening game and after cashing another break chance near the end, Vesnina clicked the set with a 6-2 win.

The defending champion, Barthel also stole the show later that day. She cruised past the Belgian in straight sets to progress at this outdoor hard court event.

“It’s a little bit different from last year when I was coming from qualies and it was my first final,” Barthel was quoted in a court side interview. “This year, I was seeded and I had a little bit more experience. Of course, it’s always exciting to be in a final and to do it where I won my first WTA final is really great.”

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Posted by Awais Ahmed on Jan 12 2013. Filed under Sports. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can skip to the end and leave a response. Pinging is currently not allowed.