Israeli tennis star Anna Smashnova won the ASB Bank Tennis Classic women?s tournament in Auckland, New Zealand this past week, making it her third WTA tour title. After her win, the 25 year old Israeli said, ?I haven't won too many WTA Tour titles, so I'm not good at making speeches. Hopefully I'll be making many more speeches in future.? As Smashnova herself said prior to the tournament, it will be ?a new start for my career.?
In the semi-finals, Smashnova, who was rated 88th in the world according to the WTA, faced off against 74th rated Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova, defeating her 6:1, 6:4. The Israeli then went on to face Russia?s Tatiana Panova, rated 40th, for the title. The final match was held in Auckland?s open stadium, forcing both players to contend with strong winds throughout the one hour and ten minute game. Smashnova displayed unmatched determination, controlling the ball throughout the match and ultimately defeating Panova in straight sets 6:2, 6:2. Winning the title earned Anna Smashnova a $22,000 winner?s check and will raise her world WTA standing.
In the semi-finals, Smashnova, who was rated 88th in the world according to the WTA, faced off against 74th rated Russian tennis star Anna Kournikova, defeating her 6:1, 6:4. The Israeli then went on to face Russia?s Tatiana Panova, rated 40th, for the title. The final match was held in Auckland?s open stadium, forcing both players to contend with strong winds throughout the one hour and ten minute game. Smashnova displayed unmatched determination, controlling the ball throughout the match and ultimately defeating Panova in straight sets 6:2, 6:2. Winning the title earned Anna Smashnova a $22,000 winner?s check and will raise her world WTA standing.