ORTISEI, December 11, 2016

Laura-Iona Andrei is the champion of the $10,000 Raiffeisen ITF Val Gardena held at the Tennis Club Ortisei. The 28-year-old from Romania defeated third seed Deborah Chiesa of Italy 6-2, 6-7, 6-4 in Sunday’s final.

Laura-Iona Andrei (photo: Marco Wanker)

In the pair’s second tour meeting within the last two weeks, Andrei celebrated her second victory. The world number 674 withstood 10 aces, hitting one of her own. Chiesa, who was looking for her maiden title on the ITF Pro Circuit, also produced nine doubles faults and Andrei was more efficient in the decisive moments. She converted five of her 10 break point chances to evenutally prevail after two hours and four minutes.

Andrei, who also lifted the doubles trophy here in South Tyrol together with Sarah-Rebecca Sekulic of Germany, captured her ninth ITF career title. The Bucharest resident also triumphed in Cordenons last week. She earns 12 WTA Ranking points.