(Rank/Seed)
Li (9/9) successfully claimed the title in Cincinnati, beating Kerber (7/5) in the final 16 63 61!
First Set
The first set was all about Li's errors, 17 in total and the fact she couldn't hold serve, doing so just once.
Second and Third Sets
When Kerber broke for a 3-1 lead in the 2nd set, all appeared lost until Li gathered some advice from her new coach, Carlos Rodriguez a.k.a Justine Henin's former coach. Suddenly, Li was hitting with more topspin and forcing Kerber to play passively. An epic 9 deuce 8th game saw the entire momentum of the match shift. Li finally broke and didn't look back, winning 11 of the last 12 games to wrap up the match.
Kerber at times appeared to be laughing, ruing her missed opportunities and Li's incredible run of form. It was Li's 1st title since winning last year's French Open, whilst Kerber slipped to 2-2 in finals this year. My prediction of who would win was wrong, but only just!
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