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Monday February 25, 2013

Kiwi Erakovic overcomes ailing Lisicki

MEMPHIS: Marina Erakovic became the first New Zealander since 1989 to win a WTA title on Saturday, lifting her first career trophy with a truncated triumph over third-seeded German Sabine Lisicki in Memphis.

Erakovic confidently raced to a 6-1 first-set victory, and the title was hers when the struggling Lisicki retired.

The big-hitting German had been battling an undisclosed illness for several days.

“This is my first title and unfortunately it did go like this,” she said. “But Sabine congratulations .... I hope we really do play a lot more finals in the future.”

Lisicki offered apologies to the fans. “I’m sorry that I was sick the last few days,” she said.

In the men’s action in this combined ATP and WTA event, fifth-seeded Kei Nishikori of Japan advanced to the final after a short day’s work. He had won the first set against Marinko Matosevic 6-4 when the Australian retired with a bone bruise on the bottom of his right foot.

“It’s lucky for me to play just one set and feel fresh for tomorrow,” Nishikori said.

Nishikori will take on Spain’s Feliciano Lopez for the title. Lopez beat Uzbekistan’s Denis Istomin 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. — AFP

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