Sydney, Jan. 15 (BNA): Paula Padusa heads to the Australian Open after defeating French Open champion Barbora Krijkova 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (4) in the Sydney Classic on Saturday.
World number nine Padusa, who also beat Krezhikova en route to winning the Indian Wells title last year, claimed the win in two hours and 22 minutes, Reuters reported.
The Spaniard sent 12 aces en route to winning her third career singles title.
Both players broke early in the game before Padusa won three straight games to win the first set 6-3.
Krijikova pressed hard early in the second set to break it but was unable to maintain her lead as Padusa tied it up to level 3-3.
The Czech persevered and took a break in the ninth inning, eliminating Padusa and taking the match to a playoff point.
The pair again traded early breaks in the third set but neither of them was able to gain a clear advantage and a tiebreak was needed.
It was Padusa who upped her game when it mattered, taking advantage of a missed forehand from Krezhikova to convert her second championship point.
“We both crossed the line today so it’s not easy to lose a match like this,” Padusa said. “It’s an honor to see Barbora grow as a player and play against her.”
The two players returned to play on Monday, with Padusa recruiting local hopes Agla Tomljanovic in the first round of the Australian Open, while Krijkova will face Germany’s Andrea Petkovic.
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