Iveta Benesova defeated Simona Halep 6-4 6-2 to win Grand Prix de SAR La Princesse Lalla Meryem, her second career singles title on the Sony Ericsson WTA Tour.

"This morning I woke up pretty tired because of the long match yesterday, but I still felt good," Benesova said. "Simona came back from 5-2 to 5-4 in the first set and we had a really tight game there, and I was nervous, but I made it. In the second set I played very well. I played her in Marbella and knew what to expect, and wanted a little revenge. I just tried to play my game, be aggressive and make her move, because she had a lot of matches this week too."

She won her first title at Acapulco in 2004.

"It has been such a long time since Acapulco, I don't even remember! It's hard to compare. It has been six years... I'm just happy I could make it again."



Benesova also teamed up with Anabel Medina Garrigues to win the doubles, becoming only the second player this season to win both events at the same tournament, following Serena Williams at the Australian Open.

"After singles I was so excited I didn't feel tired anymore. I was full of energy again," Benesova said. "Anabel helped me a lot. She's really a great player."

"The tournament Serena won was a little bit different! I'm happy I could play both events, but winning them... it couldn't be better.

"There's no time to celebrate though. I'm going to Estoril now. I have the day off tomorrow, but I'll be travelling - the perfect day off!"


(photos via Sony Ericsson WTA Tour)

Iveta Benesova clinches Fes title