Citi Open, Washington

Women’s Final: [CR35] Sloane Stephens (USA) vs. [CR40] Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova (RUS)

The monkey is finally off her back. No longer can people say she is one of the most talented players on the WTA Tour never to have won a title. Stephens handled the pressure of her first WTA Tour singles final just well. Although the first game was a little rocky, understandable in view of the occasion, Stephens made quick work of the first set once she held serve in the first game. She broke twice to win the set 6-1. Pavlyuchenkova had chances to break and take the lead; thereby making Stephens more tense. However, she failed to convert on any of the four opportunities that came her way. Once Stephens relaxed she played freely and went for her shots, especially the forehand.

The second set was a bit more complicated. A talented player like Pavlyuchenkova was going to fight back. Would Stephens be able to play at the level she did in the first? Could she continue to control the nerves to win her first WTA Tour singles title? Stephens maintained her composure and calmly proved that she was finally ready to handle the pressure of being a talented player that much is expected from. A visit from the trainer for Pavlyuchenkova distracted Stephens momentarily and she got broken the next game. Stephens regained her composure and immediately broke back. The reward of winning her first title was a powerful motivating factor and she broke again to win the match 6-1, 6-2.