Ana Ivanovic routed Patty Schnyder 6-1 6-2 in the final of the Generali Ladies on Sunday to win her first WTA Tour title in two years.
The 22-year-old Serb won her last title at the same event in 2008 after taking the French Open title and becoming the top-ranked player for 12 weeks.
“Winning again after two years is so wonderful, just unbelievable,” Ivanovic said.
“I have been waiting so long for this and I worked hard to achieve it.”
Ivanovic, now ranked No.29, played her first final in 19 months.
Initially she had not planned to appear at the USD$220,000 (AUD$221,880) indoor event, but accepted a late wildcard after Serena Williams pulled out with a foot injury.
“I felt very well and hit the balls well,” said Ivanovic, who did not drop a set in the tournament.
“Patty played well all week so I tried to put her under pressure from the start. That paid off.”
The 47th-ranked Schnyder, who has 11 career titles, was playing her third final in Linz. Schnyder also lost the 2005 and 2007 finals.
“Respect for Ana, there was nothing in it for me,” the Swiss veteran said.
“She took the balls so early and placed them so well, there was just no chance to find my game.”
It was Schnyder’s second final of the season after Budapest in July, where she lost to Agnes Szavay.
“I am disappointed but it still was a great week,” said Schnyder, who defeated former champion Daniela Hantuchova and Andrea Petkovic en route to the final.
“My draw wasn’t easy so I was happy to stay in the tournament until the end.”
Ivanovic dominated the match from the start and had few troubles winning the first set, with Schnyder winning just five points on serve.
Ivanovic then raced to a 5-0 lead in the second set when Schnyder broke her and then held serve for the only time in the match.
Ivanovic finally closed out the win with an ace on her second match point.
