DOHA, February 27, 2016

Eighth seed Carla Suárez Navarro captures the title of the Qatar Total Open, winning Saturday’s final in Doha against Jelena Ostapenko 1-6, 6-4, 6-4.

The world number 11 from Spain, who lost the only previous meeting between the two in Wimbeldon last year, rallied back, when she converted three of her seven break point chances to seal victory in one hour and 51 minutes.

Suárez Navarro wins $519,800 in prize money as well as 900 WTA ranking points.

“I started a little bit nervous and she started really good,” she said in her on-court interview. “It’s not easy to play like this, and I lost the first set but I believed, I fought, I run, and finally I won.” 

Only 18-year-old Ostapenko had an amazing week in the desert.

“It was a great week for me, and congrats to Carla for such a great match today,” Ostapenko said during the trophy ceremony. “I was just trying to play how I can and show my best; I hope you enjoyed watching me play.”