AFP, AUCKLAND: Sloane Stephens claimed her second WTA tour title when she beat Germany’s Julia Goerges 7-5, 6-2 in the Auckland Classic final on Saturday.
Stephens, ranked 30th in the world after being as high as 11, capitalised on a string of unforced errors by Goerges to break her serve at 5-5 in the first set.
She broke twice more in the second set at 1-1 and 4-2 before serving to wrap up the final in 77 minutes.
It capped an arduous five-and-a-half hours for the 22-year-old American who began the day having to complete her rain interrupted semi-final against former world number one Caroline Wozniacki. That match resumed with Stephens up 5-2 in the first and she went on to win 6-2, 7-6 (7/3) before going on to claim her second title after winning in Washington last year.
Although she showed no sign of fatigue in overpowering Goerges in straight sets, Stephens could feel the effects of her marathon day.
“Finally, I’m done,” she said after winning.
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A poor BPL outing following a blockbuster international year has raised a question when hardships and disappointments lie in wait for Soumya Sarkar, a batsman who gave the Bangladesh top order a rare… 
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
Editor : M. Shamsur Rahman
Published by the Editor on behalf of Independent Publications Limited at Media Printers, 446/H, Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1215.
Editorial, News & Commercial Offices : Beximco Media Complex, 149-150 Tejgaon I/A, Dhaka-1208, Bangladesh. GPO Box No. 934, Dhaka-1000.
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