NÜRNBERG, May 26, 2018
Johanna Larsson is a new name on the list of winners at the Nürnberger Versicherungscup. The 29-year-old from Sweden joins Romanian Simona Halep (champion of 2013), Canadian Genie Bouchard (2014), Italian Karin Knapp (2015) and Dutch Kiki Bertens (2016 and 2017).
Larsson defeated US-American Alison Riske in straight sets, 7-6(4), 6-4 in Saturday’s final to clinch her first WTA title in three years. The World No. 97 converted four of her eight break point chances to seal victory in one hour and 46 minutes.
Johanna Larsson wins the 2018 @NuernbergerCup!
Defeats Alison Riske 7-6(4), 6-4! pic.twitter.com/8588A7MCcO
— WTA (@WTA) 26. Mai 2018
“I feel unbelievably happy. Before this week, I arrived here with not that much confidence,” Larsson said afterwards. Her last triumph on the WTA Tour took place on home soil in Bastad.
“It is unbelievable that I stand here with the trophy in my hand. I noticed in the second set at 1-4 that Alison gets tired. That gave me a lot of energy. I am more than happy, as such a success is very important before a Grand Slam tournament.”
Later in the day, Larrson was back in action teaming up with Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium for the doubles final. However, the duo lost to Demi Schuurs from the Netherlands and Katarina Srebotnik of Slovakia 6-3, 3-6, 7-10 after one hour and 18 minutes.
Organizers satisfied with the week
Sandra Reichel with Germany’s Head of Women’s tennis Barbara Rittner (photo: Getty Images)
“The city has probably recognized this global advertising value,” tournament director Sandra Reichels concluded after an extremely intense week at the $250,000 WTA International Event.
“It was great to see that the spectators were impressed by the great sport offered to them throughout the week despite the bad weather and the unlucky results for the German players. We welcomed three top 15 players for the first time.
“We were sold out on Whit Monday and eventually the sun returned for the final day.”
