American Emina Bektas was not about to concede a thing after dropping the first set of the Ilana Kloss International final against her doubles partner, Lina Glushko of Israel on Sunday at TuksTennis, University of Pretoria.
The eighth-seeded American looked diminished and depleted at the outset Sunday. By the end, she was at her best.
Bektas, 29, came back from a set down to beat fourth seeded Glushko in a three-set thriller 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6) for her second W25 singles title and her first in South Africa on her first visit.
"I think a little bit right now, I'm just relieved after serving for 5-4 in the third, but overall, I don't think I could be any happier," Bektas said.
"I got to a final at the end of last year (in Italy) and I lost it so to be able to pull this one out will help with confidence.
Bektas had a double delight, as she also won the doubles title with Glushko.
On Saturday, she and Glushko defeated the top seeded pair Georgina Garcia-Perez and Timea Babos, the former world No.1 doubles player and four-time Grand Slam doubles champion, 6-4, 4-6, 13-11 in a thrilling doubles final.
"Yesterday in the doubles (final), we saved a couple of match points and were able to come in here and win the title."
“I have to return to South Africa again because these are the best memories I could have. It's been a wonderful weekend. I'm looking forward to next week,” added Bektas.
Following the conclusion of the Ilana Kloss International, a $25,000 prize-money event, the WIPHOLD International, a $60,000 prize-money event, began with qualifying on Sunday, with the main draw scheduled to begin on Tuesday.
The WIPHOLD International is one of only two $60,000 level events in Africa, as well as the continent's largest ITF women's tournament, and has drawn some of the world's best female tennis players.
The events are hosted as part of Tennis South Africa's (TSA) pledge to host more women's events.
FINAL RESULTS
SINGLES
[8] Emina Bektas (USA) bt [4] Lina Glushko (ISR) 3-6, 6-3, 7-6(6)
DOUBLES
[2] Emina Bektas (USA) / Lina Glushko (ISR) bt [1] Timea Babos (HUN) / Georgina Garcia-Perez (ESP) 6-4, 4-6, 13-11
