Knapp wins second WTA title
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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.
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"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.
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The French Open starts Sunday. Knapp will face Caroline Wozniacki in the first round, while Vinci squares off against Alize Cornet.