Guangzhou, China (SportsNetwork.com) - Monica Niculescu of Romania upset second-seeded Alize Cornet in straight sets on Saturday to win the Guangzhou International Open tennis event.
Niculescu improved to 2-2 in her career WTA finals with a 6-4, 6-0 win over Cornet. The 26-year-old veteran won her first title last year in Brazil. Her best previous finish this year was a semifinal appearance in her native Bucharest.
"I was so happy to finish in the end because it was very hot and very humid, and I was very, very tired," said Niculescu. "But to finish so strong was amazing for me. I have many emotions right now, but most of it is joy and confidence. It's my second WTA title and that's just an amazing feeling."
Serves plagued Cornet, who fell to 4-5 in finals with the defeat. The 24-year- old had 12 double faults compared to none for Niculescu.
Cornet actually held a 4-2 lead in the first set, then didn't win another game.
Niculescu pocketed $111,163 for her victory.
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