Laura Siegemund has won the double competition of this year’s Kremlin Cup. Alongside Russian Alexandra Panova, the 30-year-old German won the final of the WTA tournament in Moscow 6-2, 7-6 (2) against Darija Jurak from Croatia and Romanian Raluca Olaru.
By Florian Heer from Moscow
Laura Siegemund described her fourth career success in doubles, the first since 2015, as an emotional victory: “I’m delighted, especially since we played together for the first time,” said a visibly satisfied Siegemund after the success.
“In recent years, I have concentrated on the individual. It’s quite difficult to successfully tackle both competitions because the level in doubles is really high. However, I really like to play doubles and since I have to go through the qualification more often in the singles, it makes sense to collect additional playing practice here.”
This also happened at the Kremlin Cup, where Siegemund failed in the second round of qualifying in the singles against Ivana Jorovic. And Moscow in general. Born in Swabia, she now has a cordial relationship with the Russian capital. In July Siegemund already competed here in the River Cup and reached the quarter finals.
“It was a very nice tournament this summer. I played well and was able to collect a few points in the world rankings. I was also able to spend some time in the city and I have to say that I fell in love with Moscow a bit. That was also the reason why I decided to change my calendar this year in order to compete in the Kremlin Cup,” says the current number 122 of the individual world rankings.
Siegemund, who already won two singles titles on the WTA Tour and advanced to position 27, is still on her comeback tour. Only in March of this year did she return to the tennis circus after a one-year injury break.
For Siegemund, however, the 2018 season is now over. “This was my last tournament of the year. Given the circumstances, I can be satisfied with my season. I’m not where I want to be yet, but after such a serious injury you have to give yourself some time. It takes a little patience,” says Siegemund realistically.
“Now I’m looking forward to a few free weeks to have some time for my family and to go on holiday. The off-season should be the basis to be able to start again next year fully.”
It is also setting itself clear targets for 2019. “The individual will be my priority again, as I want to return to the top 100. Nevertheless I would like to continue with my activities in doubles and maybe I will continue with Alexandra. We’ll see.”