American Davis Defeats Konjuh, Takes Home First WTA Title In Auckland

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Lauren Davis came out on top in a battle of rising stars at the ASB Classic, where she defeated No.8 seed Ana Konjuh in straight sets to take home her first WTA title.

The last time Davis and Konjuh met was right here in Auckland back in 2014 with Davis coming out on top in three sets against the Croatian wildcard. Three years later, Konjuh was unable to get her revenge in the final, falling 6-3, 6-1.

"The feeling is indescribable, it's definitely an incredible feeling to win my first WTA title at my favorite tournament," Davis said in her post-match interview. "I've been waiting for this moment for quite a few years.

"It's definitely surreal. I had two finals last year, and it was definitely discouraging and frustrating. But I guess third time's the charm!"

After reaching her first two WTA finals in 2016 - in Washington DC and in Québec City - the 23-year-old American refused to be denied a third time and came roaring out of the gates in Auckland.

Her serving was impeccable at the start - Davis lost her first point on serve in her third service game - and stayed dominant throughout the match. It took a few games for Konjuh to find her groove, and with it her devastating forehand, but Davis' strong serving and powerful game kept the 19-year-old Croat under constant pressure.

After trading breaks in the opening set, Davis broke once more and clocked another perfect service game to take the opening set. For her part, Konjuh's game was plagued with miscues and double faults coming at all the wrong times; two of her five double faults handed Davis break points, while a third gifted her opponent match point.

"Of course I'm disappointed to lose in a final, but it's not a bad way to start the season," Konjuh joked afterwards. "But great job to Lauren, you played unbelievable and put every ball in the right place."

Earlier in the day, Kiki Bertens and Johanna Larsson added another doubles trophy to their resume after their 6-2, 6-2 victory over Demi Schuurs and Renata Voracova.

"It was a great week for us. Of course, I'm a little bit disappointed to lose in the first round of singles but I'm really happy that we could play some good doubles together and get a couple more matches in," Bertens said after the victory.

The ASB Classic is Bertens and Larsson's third doubles title in a row after they ended the year with back-to-back wins in Linz and Luxembourg.

"We're planning to play the Australian Open together, and in fact the whole year together, so it's great that we're playing well together and having fun. I think that's the most important thing. And hopefully some more titles together!"