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The seventh-seeded Stephens recorded a 7-6 (4), 6-2 victory
on the clay court to win her third WTA title of the season.
Stephens cited a change in her mental approach as a huge factor
in her success. The 23-year-old American has gone from regularly
feeling tension over matches to a looser demeanor.
"Just go out and play and have fun because, I mean, it's just
another week," Stephens said after the victory. "Like I don't
have anything to lose. My life is great. It's tennis and this is
what I do every week. So I kind of just changed my mindset and
that worked."
Stephens had just one career title prior to this season.
She had to fight off a strong challenge from the 29-year-old
Vesnina in the first set. Stephens held a 5-2 lead before
Vesnina rallied to force a tiebreaker.
Stephens won four of the final five points to win the set and
then cruised in the second.
Vesnina was certainly fine with her performance at the event.
"All the way from the qualies," Vesnina told the crowd. "I can't
believe I'm standing here in the finals."
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