Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia’s hard work paid off when she topped World No. 1, Angelique Kerber of Germany, 6-3 6-4 to win the prestigious WTA Finals in Singapore today.

The Slovakian, who was made to dig deep and lift her game to new heights this week was resilient against the consistent German, who had not lost a match on her way to the final. 

The two played their first match last Sunday, with Kerber just edging Cibulkova in a three-set thriller, but today, when it mattered most, Cibulkova kept her cool, got 83% of her first serves in and smashed 28 winners past Kerber.

Kerber just couldn’t get the better of the Cibulkova forehand and despite producing some brilliant tennis herself, Cibulkova was able to convert her fourth match point attempt into victory, when the ball clipped the net and just landed on Kerber’s side, out of the German’s reach.

This marks the end of an incredible year for Cibulkova, who not only got married and won four titles (including the biggest of her career today), but will also end the year at No. 5 on the WTA rankings.

Image courtesy of the WTA