Qualifier Pironkova Shocks Kerber for Sydney Championship
January 10, 2014 | By Long Island Tennis Magazine Staff
Qualifier Tsvetana Pironkova won the Apia International Sydney on Friday, defeating world number nine Angelique Kerber for her first WTA title, 6-4, 6-4. Coming into the Sydney finals, Pironkova was 0-7 in WTA Tour level semifinals matches. En route to the title, Pironkova defeated three top 10-ranked players, Sara Errani (world number seven), Petra Kvitova (world number six) and Kerber.
The last qualifier to win a Premier-level title was Ekaterina Makarova at Eastbourne back in 2010. Kerber was playing the ninth WTA final of her career and now has a 3-6 record in finals matches. Pironkova's previous deep run was in 2010 when she reached the Wimbledon semifinals.
''Where do I start? Mom and dad, I have a trophy,'' said Pironkova during her victory speech. "I didn't really do anything that special tonight compared to the previous matches—I just kept the same level."
