Radwanska Races To Maiden Dubai Title

© Dubai Duty Free Tennis ChampionshipsAgnieszka Radwanska won the Dubai title on her event debut.

Agnieszka Radwanska claimed the Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships title on Saturday when she held off a strong challenge from unseeded Julia Goerges to win 7-5, 6-4.

The final was attended HRH Princess Haya Bint Al Hussein, wife of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai; HH Sheikha Al Jalila Bint Mohammed Bin Rashid Al Maktoum; HH Sheikh Hasher Bin Maktoum Al Maktoum, President of Tennis Emirates; Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice President Dubai Duty Free; George Horan, President Dubai Duty Free; Salah Tahlak, Senior Vice President Corporate Communications Dubai Duty Free and Tournament Director; Sinead El Sibai, Vice President Marketing Dubai Duty Free and Abdul Rahman Falaknaz, Vice President of Tennis Emirates.

Fifth seeded Radwanska had to work hard for her victory right to the end against a talented but inconsistent opponent, even having to fight off a break point as she served for the match.

Listen To Dave Luddy's Final Review

Radwanska had recently beaten Goerges at the Australian Open for the loss of just two games and she began the final in style, breaking in the opening game with a fine crosscourt forehand.

Goerges came within two points of going down a double break but held for 1-2, and then leveled at 4-4 by forcing a backhand error. But she remained under pressure, holding off two break points to hold for 5-4 before dropping her serve at 6-5.

Radwanska served out the set at love, and went on to take a 2-1 lead in the second set on her fourth break point. Another break to lead 4-1 appeared to have her coasting to a comfortable victory, but Goerges hit a stunning return to break back for 2-4 to set up an exciting finale.

Audio Interviews: Radwanska | Goerges

"It feels just great, especially that I really had tough matches since the first round," said Radwanska, who now advances into the world’s top five for the first time.

"I was pretty close to lose the first round, so I'm just extremely happy. I think I was just better couple points, to be honest. Two tight sets and I think it was just pretty close and tight. But I think in the important moments I was just more consistent," she went on to say.

Goerges wasn’t disappointed at her defeat, knowing she had offered a solid challenge against a top 10 opponent.

"Well, I don't think that I did so many things wrong, because she's a tough player and I was in both sets close to win both sets," she said. "I'm not disappointed because it was a big step in the right direction for me. I was leaving everything on the court, so I don't know why I should be disappointed about this week," she added.

The doubles title was won by Liezel Huber and Lisa Raymond, who defeated Sania Mirza and Elena Vesnina 6-2, 6-1.

"Once again we have witnessed tennis of the very highest quality between two world class players," said Colm McLoughlin, Executive Vice Chairman of Tournament Owners and Organisers Dubai Duty Free. "We congratulate Agnieszka Radwanska on her victory and wish both players well for the rest of the season."

Play continues on Monday 27th February with the $2 million ATP 500 Series event, which features seven of the world’s top 10 including Novak Djokovic, Roger Federer, Andy Murray and Jo-Wilfried Tsonga.

The Dubai Duty Free Tennis Championships is owned and organised by Dubai Duty Free and held under the patronage of H.H. Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum, Vice-President and Prime Minister of the UAE and Ruler of Dubai.

Tickets for the event are available from the Box Office at the Dubai Tennis Stadium, Garhoud which opens from 9am to 9pm daily. Grandstand tickets can also be bought online at http://www.timeouttickets.com/. For further information about tickets, prices and tournaments visit http://www.dubaidutyfreetennischampionships.com/ or phone the call centre on +971 4 358 9797.