Estoril Open 2005 News and Events

May 1, 2005

Lucie Safarova became the first qualifier to win the Estoril Open after defeating fourth seed Na Li of China 6-7(4), 6-4, 6-3 to claim her first career Sony Ericsson WTA Tour title.

Safarova, the 18-year-old from the Czech Republic, came into the tournament ranked No. 155 in the world. However, after qualifying into the main draw, her victories over No. 8 seed Virginie Ruano Pascual, Michaella Krajicek (having saved four match points), Mariana Diaz-Oliva, No. 3 seed Gisela Dulko and Li in the final helped catapult the teenager to around No. 105.

"It's amazing," said Safarova after her 2-hour, 17-minute victory. "It's just great. My expectations coming into the tournament were to get into the main draw and I wouldn't have been mad with myself if I'd have just won one match. But every time I come into a match I try to win and I'm really happy."

It was Li who made the better start to the final, going up a double break to lead 3-0 as Safarova struggled with her nerves. But the young Czech gathered her composure and took the next four games. Li had the chance to serve for the first set at 5-4, but eventually had to win it in the tie-break, taking it 7-4.

The second set had more momentum swings as both players failed to make the most of their advantages. Safarova led 2-0 before Li hit back to lead 3-2. But the Czech hit back with three consecutive games of her own to lead 5-3, and eventually took the match into a decider.

Once again it was Li who made the better start, leading 2-0. However, Safarova recovered and reeled off four games in a row. With Li serving to stay in the match, she won just one point as Safarova claimed a famous victory.

"I was getting more tired and tired," said Safarova. "After the first set my legs were heavy and I couldn't move so well. But I wanted to win the tournament so much that I tried to do everything I could.

"I was really nervous, and I was serving a lot of double faults (13 in total). But I told myself: 'Come on, you have to do it.'"

With her win, Safarova earns 95 Sony Ericsson WTA Tour ranking points and takes home 17,000 Euros.