Hobart, Australia – After losing six times in championship matches, Russian Elena Vesnina finally captured her first WTA Tour title by topping Germany's Mona Barthel, 6-3, 6-4, on Saturday at the Hobart International.
Barthel, the ninth seed and defending champion, double faulted to send Vesnina to a 4-3 lead in the first set. Vesnina was able to rally from an early deficit in the second set to win this Australian Open tune-up.
"I didn't expect it to be two sets. It was just my day, finally," Vesnina said.
The 26-year-old Vesnina was able to celebrate her special moment when Barthel sent a backhand return wide on match point.
"I feel such a relief," said Vesnina, who appeared in this event for a sixth time. She has seven career doubles championships.
Barthel's only career title came here last year when she surged through the main draw as a qualifier.
"I'm not disappointed. It was another great week for me here," Barthel said.
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