Second seed Julia Goerges has become the first player to win a second consecutive ASB Classic title since 2004 after battling back to defeat qualifier Bianca Andreescu 2-6, 7-5, 6-1.
The world No.14 was pushed to her limits during what was a clash of two worlds. 30-year-old Goerges was playing in her 15th WTA final and third in New Zealand. Meanwhile, teenage qualifier Andreescu, who was playing in only her fourth WTA main draw, was contesting her first final following wins over Caroline Wozniacki and Venus Williams. Ultimately, it was experience that prevailed as Goerges battled back to wear down her younger opponent.
“It means a lot (this win). I don’t know what to say right now because Bianca gave me a hard time today.” Goerges said in tribute to Andreescu. “She played some terrific tennis, different tennis than a lot of players on the tour and I’m pretty sure that we are going to hear a lot from her in the future.’
“I think I used my experience today and really went for it in the important moments.” She added.
On paper Goerges looked set for a straightforward win, but that wasn’t the case due to Andreescu’s furious hitting. Initially the underdog looked on course for another shock victory after a clinical first set performance that saw her win four consecutive games at the start. In comparison, Goerges leaked a series of costly unforced errors as she failed to hold four service games in a row.
Despite her rocky start, Goerges eventually found her footing at the start of set number two. Upping her intensity, she broke with the help of a winning forehand return down the line. Andreescu admirably battled back to later retrieve that break for 4-4, but came unstuck once again. Serving at 5-5, the Canadian struggled to tame the fierce hitting from her rival as she was moved around the court. Allowing the second seed to break once again before taking the match into a decider.
Gaining in momentum, the German raced through the 26-minute decider against her ailing opponent. Andreescu had heavy tapping on her right thigh and took two medical time outs during the match to have treatment on her back. Closing in on the title, Goerges saw two championship points come and go. It was on the third opportunity where she prevailed after a backhand shot from the teenager crashed into the net. Prompting an emotional Goerges to drop onto the floor before paying tribute to her coaching team.
“Today an important moment was at 5-4 (in the second set) when my coach came and helped my find solutions. I was very thankful for that, he actually woke me up a little bit.” The Auckland champion said.
She's done it!@juliagoerges retains her Auckland crown – 2-6, 7-5, 6-1 against Bianca Andreescu!@asb_classic pic.twitter.com/FPmXSEZm0i
— wta (@WTA) January 6, 2019
Andreescu can also draw positives from her week in New Zealand, where she has recorded her first two wins over top 10 players. Becoming the first qualifier to reach the final of the tournament since 1997. She is now set to move up to a career high of 107th when the rankings are updated on Monday.
“It’s amazing, I’ve played my best tennis this week. I love these courts and I love everyone here (in Auckland).” Reflected Andreescu.
The triumph awards Goerges her seventh WTA title. She has become only the third player to have ever won the Auckland title multiple times since it was created in 1986. Following in the footsteps of Patty Fendrick (1988, 1989) and Eleni Daniilidou (2003, 2004).
