Maria celebrates with her family.
| Photo Credit: K. MURALI KUMAR
A relentless Tatjana Maria wore down an inconsistent Leolia Jeanjean in the final of the $100,000 KPB Trust Women’s Open at the KSLTA courts here on Sunday.
The champion won $15,239 and 100 WTA ranking points, while Jeanjean had to settle for $8,147 and 65 ranking points.
It was Jeanjean who took the first set, relying on deep approach shots followed by crisp volleys. She, however, abandoned this winning strategy in the next two sets, and paid a huge price for making several unforced errors.
Maria, the 2022 Wimbledon semifinalist, was built to last the distance. Using her tall frame and quick feet, the 37-year-old Maria chased down and retrieved shots that looked like clear winners. Now forced to contend with extended rallies, Jeanjean’s spirit took a beating.
Maria’s powerful serve down the ‘T’ came to her aid on multiple occasions, as did her trademark low slices.
It was the second title for world No. 90 Maria in India after her triumph in the 2023 W40 Pune tournament.
It was heartbreak for Jeanjean (world No. 149), who threw her racquet in despair after losing the match.
“It was a really tricky match. I tried to put as many balls back as possible because I knew she was a bit tired. At the end it was a big fight,” Maria, 37, said.
The result (Final): Tatjana Maria (Ger) bt Leolia Jeanjean (Fra) 6-7(0), 6-3, 6-4.
Published – January 26, 2025 09:08 pm IST
