Topshelf Open, Netherlands
Men’s Final: [CR15] David Goffin (BEL) vs. [CR97] Nicolas Mahut (FRA)
The score line was almost identical to that of their only encounter, won by Goffin. Mahut shines on grass and today he captured his second Topshelf title. That common phenomenon, where a closely contested first set is followed by a total blow out in the next set, occurred again today. Mahut, sensing that Goffin had lost his motivation, did not hesitate to take advantage. He kept the pressure on, attacking every ball and volleying every opportunity he got. Goffin could not muster up much resistance in the second and the set/match was quickly and efficiently terminated by Mahut, 7-6(1), 6-1.
Women’s Final: [CR33] Belinda Bencic (SUI) vs. [CR35] Camila Giorgi (ITA)
Giorgi got her revenge today and it was doubly sweet as she claimed her first WTA singles title in the process. Giorgi lost their only previous encounter; however, today, she was determined to reverse the outcome. Giorgi has an aggressive style of play and she will win or lose with that approach. Today, she benefitted, never allowing Bencic a single break point against her serve. Bencic is still young and as she matures on tour, she will learn how to channel her emotions to her advantage. Her emotions got the better of her after she lost a very close first set. Congratulations to Giorgi, who claimed her first title with the 7-5, 6-3 defeat of Bencic.
Aegon Open Nottingham, Great Britain
Women’s Semi-final: [CR13] Agnieszka Radwanska (POL) vs. [CR61] Monica Niculescu (ROU)
Radwanska had easily defeated Niculescu in their only other encounter and it seemed destined to be the same outcome today. Radwanska started the match very focused, she broke early and had a significant lead, only to stumble. Niculescu is a crafty player and she pulled out all the tricks in her arsenal to confound Radwanska today. Radwanska’s confidence is shaky at the moment and her brief hesitation was all that Niculescu needed to implement her strategy. She broke back in the first set but had her own issues holding serve. Yet, she was not discouraged and kept grinding away until she broke Radwanska’ s will. Niculescu won 5-7, 6-4, 6-0 and heads to her fifth WTA singles final.
