It was third time lucky for the 14th seed and World No. 50, Monica Niculescu of Romania, who sailed past the top seed and World No. 11, Petra Kvitova to clinch the Luxembourg title, 6-4 6-0 yesterday.

Niculesca reached the final in 2011, when she lost to Victoria Azarenka 6-2 6-2 and again in 2012, when she lost to Venus Williams 6-2 6-3.

Although Niculesca was unable to serve an ace, serving at 86% on her first serve with a 74% success rate, was all she needed to power past Kvitova in 68 minutes.

Niculesca entertained the crowd and Kvitova with her rather lengthy acceptance speech in which wished her mother, Christiana Silvia Niculescu a “Happy Birthday” and also said that the victory over Kvitova was the best moment of her life so far.

The Romanian was unfortunately not able to make it a double victory after her and fellow Romanian, Patricia Maria Tig lost their tough three-set Doubles final to Kiki Bertens and Johanna Larsson 6-4 5-7 9-11.