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Radwanska nabs second China Open title with straight-sets win over Konta

Xinhua, October 9, 2016 Adjust font size:

Polish 3rd seed Agnieszka Radwanska stormed to a second China Open title here on Sunday, defeating Briton Johanna Konta in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2.

Konta struggled to keep up with her opponent's versatile all-court playing style throughout the match, and Radwanska was able to remain in control.

Konta's two points in the second set came from aggressive volleys that caught her opponent off guard, but these also worked against the Briton at times, with one in the first set smashing into the net and denying her the chance to send it to 5 games-all.

The Polish 3rd seed dominated throughout the second set, sealing the championship point with one of her signature backhands delivered from the baseline.

Radwanska said that Konta played an aggressive match, and that the key to her victory was not allowing herself to be pushed around the court.

"Well, she's playing just so fast. I just trying not to go too much. I was always trying to stay closer and catch up with the baseline. Yeah, that was the key, just to play a really solid, consistent game."

Konta has a real reason to celebrate despite the loss: her stellar performance here in Beijing has moved her up to No. 10 in the WTA rankings, giving her a real chance at making it to the WTA finals in Singapore with only two qualifying weeks left on the calendar.

Konta said she is pleased with how things have gone for her in Beijing.

"I guess it's pretty cool. I'm very pleased with this week, it was pretty spectacular. I'm very pleased with my progress over the last few years, I'm really enjoying my journey and looking forward to matches like this against players like Agnieszka. Hopefully I'll have many more in the future."

Speaking on court after the match, Radwanska called the victory a special one for her.

"Every title means a lot but especially here, one of the biggest tournaments of the year, where you play top players from the first round. I've been playing great tennis and making sure the trophy stays in a special place. I love to see Polish flags in China," she said.

Radwanska next travels to the Tianjin Open to defend her title there. Endit