Nurnberg, Germany (SportsNetwork.com) - Karin Knapp outlasted Roberta Vinci in Saturday's all-Italian final at the Nurnberg Cup.
The sixth-seeded Knapp won her first title of the year with a 7-6 (7-5), 4-6, 6-1 win over Vinci. Knapp is now 4-2 all-time against Vinci.
The 27-year-old Knapp improved to 2-1 in her career WTA finals, with her other title coming last year in Tashkent.
"I'm really, really happy to win the title," Knapp said. "It's never easy against Roberta, and as you saw it was a close match. But it's great to get the win and gain some good confidence for the French Open."
The fourth-seeded Vinci reached the final via walkover when second-seeded German favorite Angelique Kerber pulled out of their scheduled semifinal on Friday.
The 32-year-old Vinci fell to 9-4 in finals, with her last title coming in her hometown of Palermo in 2013.
The French Open starts Sunday. Knapp will face Caroline Wozniacki in the first round, while Vinci squares off against Alize Cornet.
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