Share

Beck wins Luxembourg title

Luxembourg - Annika Beck of Germany has won her first career title Saturday after beating fourth-seeded Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic 6-2, 6-1 in the Luxembourg Open final.

The 20-year-Beck, who is ranked 60th and was playing in her second final after finishing runner-up here last year, did not drop a set throughout the tournament.

"It's an amazing feeling to win my first WTA title. I played the final last year and I said I'd do anything to win the title this year," Beck said.

"It's an unbelievable feeling to actually do it. I enjoyed every moment I had on the center court."

She broke Zahlavova Strycova's shaky serve seven times and saved all five break-point chances on her own serve in the second set as her opponent tried to claw back into the match.

"I'm sad today, but overall it was a great, great week. I was playing well," Zahlavova Strycova said.

"I had my chances today, too. Unfortunately I couldn't take them."

Playing in her fifth final, the 31st-ranked Zahlavova Strycova was seeking her second career title after her only success at Quebec City three years ago.

But she was let down by her serve, double-faulting four times and winning less than half of her first-serve points. Beck also beat her at the same tournament two years ago.

Both players struggled badly on their second serves, however, with Beck winning only a measly 14 percent of second-serve points compared to 20 percent for her 28-year-old opponent.

We live in a world where facts and fiction get blurred
Who we choose to trust can have a profound impact on our lives. Join thousands of devoted South Africans who look to News24 to bring them news they can trust every day. As we celebrate 25 years, become a News24 subscriber as we strive to keep you informed, inspired and empowered.
Join News24 today
heading
description
username
Show Comments ()
Voting Booth
Should Siya Kolisi keep the captaincy as the Springboks build towards their World Cup title defence in 2027?
Please select an option Oops! Something went wrong, please try again later.
Results
Yes! Siya will only be 36 at the next World Cup. He can make it!
25% - 1273 votes
No! I think the smart thing to do is start again with a younger skipper ...
29% - 1471 votes
I'd keep Siya captain for now, but look to have someone else for 2027.
45% - 2249 votes
Vote
Editorial feedback and complaints

Contact the public editor with feedback for our journalists, complaints, queries or suggestions about articles on News24.

LEARN MORE