By McCarton Ackerman
RANCHO SANTA FE, Calif., February 17, 2013 – The third edition of the Fresh Start Women’s Open at the Morgan Run Club concluded on Sunday with the singles final taking place in front of a packed house. No. 6 seed Madison Brengle completed a dream week by winning the title without losing a set, taking 14 of the last 16 points to defeat No. 2 seed Nicole Gibbs 6-1, 6-4.
“I knew I had to play really well because she beat me in three sets the last time we played,” said Brengle. “She’s so consistent and I knew every point was going to be a grind, so I really had to stay focused out there.”
Brengle grabbed the first break of the match and raced out to a 2-0 lead in the opening set. Hitting every ball deep and down the middle of the court, the consistency of Brengle began to frustrate her higher ranked opponent, who hit numerous errors throughout in the early stages of the match.
In the second set, Gibbs began to take the ball earlier and step into the middle of the court. The plan worked as she raced out to a 4-2 lead, but the high risk tennis ultimately proved to be too much to handle. As Brengle began to track even more shots down and go for winners when opportunities arose, she reeled off four consecutive games to take the title.
This is the fourth USTA Pro Circuit title of Brengle’s career and her third at the $25,000 level. She has been at this tournament for all three years it has taken place, compiling an 11-2 record here and also reaching the finals in 2011.
“The courts suit my game quite well and I have a good feel of the timing on them,” said Brengle. “I also really like the town because there are so many good restaurants, so I’m happy to spend the week here.”
Despite the loss, Gibbs was optimistic about her tennis. The reigning NCAA singles and doubles champion said that while no official decision has been made, she is “90% sure” she will turn pro at the end of this year.
“This week has kind of reinforced that decision for me,” said Gibbs. “I feel like I’m playing at a top 100 level now and hope to make Wimbledon my first tournament as a professional.”
Fresh Start Women’s Open
A USTA Pro Circuit Event
Sunday, February 17
Morgan Run Club
Rancho Santa Fe, Calif.
Purse: $25,000
Surface: Hard-Outdoor
Sunday, February 17 – RESULTS
Main Draw Singles – Final
Madison Brengle, United States (6), def. Nicole Gibbs, United States (2), 6-1, 6-4





