Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber has outlasted first-time WTA finalist Kaja Juvan 7-6 (7-5) 6-7 (0-7) 7-6 (7-5) over more than three hours in the Strasbourg International final on Saturday.
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Kerber's 14th career singles title was her first on clay in more than six years.
Juvan upset Kerber at the 2020 French Open, and in her first career final put up a remarkable fight on Saturday. But Kerber prevailed in the longest final of the year to date.
The three-time grand slam winner came to Strasbourg with only two match wins this year, and surprised herself with her daily improvement.
Kerber is seeded 21st at the French Open, the only grand slam she hasn't won, and starts against Magdalena Frech of Poland on Monday.
Juvan has qualifier Oksana Selekhmeteva, the 2021 girls' doubles champion.
In Rabat, Morocco, Italy's Martina Trevisan has won her first WTA title. She beat Claire Liu of the United States 6-2 6-1 in the final of the Grand Prix Sar La Princesse Lalla Meryem.
The No. 85-ranked Trevisan and No. 92-ranked Liu were playing their first career final.
Trevisan was under some pressure to save eight of nine break points. But Liu made 44 unforced errors.
Australian Associated Press
