Kerber upstages Bartoli to win Paris Open

PARIS: Angelique Kerber of Germany won the WTA Paris Open on Sunday by defeating France's Marion Bartoli 7-6 (7/3), 5-7, 6-3 in the final.

The world number 27, who conquered top seed Maria Sharapova in Friday's quarter-finals, became the first German champion at the event since Steffi Graf in 1995.

It was the 24-year-old's first win on the main WTA circuit, her previous best being a runner-up finish in Bogota in 2010.

Prior to coming to Paris, she had never beaten a top-10 player.

It was the first time in five attempts that the 27-year-old Bartoli, the second seed, had reached the final in her home tournament.

"It's incredible," said Kerber. "I don't know what to say. The match was so tough but I fought on all the big points. It's been a fantastic week."

Bartoli was in tears by the time of the post-match presentations.

"I pushed myself all the way but it was not enough," she said after the 2hr 39min final. (AFP)