On Saturday evening, the BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open tennis championship in Kockelscheuer witnessed an exciting women's Singles final when Monica Niculescu of Romania took on top seed and WTA No. 11, Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic in front of a packed crowd.
WTA No. 51 Monica Niculescu raced ahead in the first set before Petra Kvitova begin to find her rhythm, but it was not to be enough. The play was aggressive from both sides of the court, with the players garnering appreciation from the spectators. Monica Niculescu was slicing balls and using the whole court to her advantage; she stayed focused to take the first set 6-4.
In the second set, Petra Kvitova felt the pressure and Monica Niculescu won 6-0. Petra Kvitova was showing the frustration she felt when she had no answers to her opponent's play. A very happy Monica Niculescu said that this is her favourite tournament and promised to return next year.
President of the European Commission and former Luxembourg Prime Minister, Jean-Claude Junker, and current Luxembourg Prime Minister, Xavier Bettel, were among the dignitaries present.
In the Ladies Doubles final, Kiki Bertens (NL) and Johanna Larsson (Sweden) defeated Monica Niculescu (Romania) and Patricia Maria Tig (Romania), 4-6, 7-5, 11-9.
Photos by Jan McIntyre
