Aleksandra Krunic overcomes Kirsten Flipkens to claim maiden WTA title

Michael Graham

Aleksandra Krunic battled back from a set down to claim her maiden WTA title in Hertogenbosch.

The Serbian seventh seed was forced to save a match-point in the semi-final against Coco Vandeweghe, and she had to work for it again in the final against Kirsten Flipkens.

Krunic was a set and a break down midway through the second set, but won nine of the last 10 games to claim 6-7 7-5 6-1 victory.

“I don’t know how you pulled this off, mate, but the fact that you didn’t show how much pain you were in today, makes me respect you more,” Krunic said on-court after the match.

“I think we’re both champions, and I’m happy that I was able to stay [in the match]. I was very nervous and it was tough for me to play, but I’m happy that I hung in there.”