Petkovic fights back to win in Sofia

andreapetkovic

The German put a disappointing first set behind her to win 1-6 6-4 6-3 at the hard-court event in Sofia, giving her a first win since the Nurnberger Gastein Ladies in July.

Petkovic, the world number 17, will now hope to follow in the footsteps of former Tournament of Champions winners Ana Ivanovic and Simona Halep by breaking into the top 10 of the rankings.

Third seed Pennetta dominated the opening set and was halfway to the title after 37 minutes when she completed a third break of serve.

However, Petkovic came out firing in the second set and recorded a crucial break in the first game.

Pennetta's calmness began to desert her as she missed drop shots and let unforced errors creep into her game, with Petkovic taking full advantage.

The fourth seed levelled the match with her fifth straight service hold, having faced just a solitary break point in that time.

Both players were broken early in the deciding set, but it was Petkovic who ultimately prevailed after two hours and 12 minutes on court.

A break in game seven put her on course for glory and Pennetta was then found wanting when she served to stay in the championship.

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