Michaella Krajicek beat Dinara Safina of Russia 6-3, 6-4 to win the Ordina Open on Saturday, the first Dutch woman to win her country's only grass-court event.
It was the third singles title in Krajicek's three-year career and her the second this year. She won in Hobart in January and last year in Tashkent.
Krajicek won on her fifth match point, forcing Safina to hit a service return long. Safina was the more powerful hitter, but Krajicek proved more accurate with her groundstrokes in the match between two younger sisters of Grand Slam winners.
No. 1 ranked Marat Safin won the 2000 U.S. Open and the 2005 Australian Open. Richard Krajicek, who won Wimbledon in 1996, is a tournament organizer, and he came on court for the award ceremony to give his sister a kiss on both cheeks.
A rain delay early in the second set failed to disrupt the pace, as both players returned to sharpen their play.
Krajicek stepped up the pressure in the seventh game, rattling Safina who double-faulted for the break.
With double match point at 5-4, Krajicek thought she had the match won, but slammed an easy forehand into the net from midcourt. The game went to four deuces before she finished it with a powerful serve that Safina popped long.
{{/usCountry}}With double match point at 5-4, Krajicek thought she had the match won, but slammed an easy forehand into the net from midcourt. The game went to four deuces before she finished it with a powerful serve that Safina popped long.
{{/usCountry}}On the men's side, Mario Ancic of Croatia played Jan Hernych of the Czech Republic, seeking to retain his only ATP title.