History repeating: Szavay defends Budapest crown

 

Originally published on: 12/07/10 09:57

Agnes Szavay successfully defended her WTA Budapest title, downing last year’s beaten finalist Patty Schnyder 6-2 6-4.

The Hungarian No.7 seed was ecstatic with a win in front of a fervent home crowd, leading from the front and surviving a wobble at the start of the second set to race away with the match.

“It’s unbelievable to win in Hungary again,” said the 21-year-old. “The crowd was great, just like last year. To win two times at home, I can’t describe this feeling.”

After seeing the first set slip away, Schnyder broke for the first time in the match at the start of the second as she searched for a foothold in her 26th career final.

But after trading breaks with Szavay, the Swiss 31-year-old dropped serve for a second time to leave Szavay serving for the title.

“It was a tough match, especially because of the weather,” added Szavay. “It was really hot. We also both had long matches yesterday, so we were both pretty tired. But we tried to do our best.

“I think mentally it was better for me today. We played in the final last year and I won in a tight match, and I think she was thinking about it. She seemed a little nervous at the beginning.”

Now get the WORLD’S BEST TENNIS MAGAZINE here