June 19, 2004 Vincent Basler Pierce Wins First Grass Court Title 's-HERTOGENBOSCH, Netherlands - Mary Pierce collected the first grass court singles title of her career Saturday, defeating Klara Koukalova 76(6) 62 in the Ordina Open final. Have won a rain-interrupted semifinal over Lina Krasnoroutskaya 62 62 earlier on Saturday (not completed Friday due to bad weather), Pierce burst out of the blocks in the final against the unseeded Czech, winning the first five games. But Koukalova took the next five games and eventually sent the first set into a tie-break, which she led 5-1, only to see Pierce win seven of the next eight points. Pierce won her first set point when Koukalova double-faulted. The effort appeared to drain Koukalova as Pierce surged her 16th Tour title overall after one hour, 28 minutes, leaving Koukalova with a 0-4 career win-loss record in Tour singles finals. "I've been very focused and concentrated this week, even with the rain," said Pierce, who had not taken a singles title since winning Roland Garros four years ago. "It's been a great opportunity for me since the No.1 (Petrova) and No.2 (Schnyder) seeds went out early. "I'm very proud of myself. It's been awhile since I won a title so it feels really great to win another tournament." Pierce was overjoyed at winning her first grass court title, having previously appeared in only one semifinal on the surface in her distinguished career. "I enjoy the grass more and more, as I used to not like it very much," observed Pierce. "But I feel more comfortalbe on it and it fits my game, especially since I know what to do now and how to play on it." Despite the loss, Koukalova was pleased with her efforts this week, having never played a Tour main draw event on grass before this week. "It was a great tournament but of course I'm a little bit sad right now," said Koukalova. "I had points to win the first set, but she started playing better and was hard to beat." The doubles title went to Australian Lisa McShea and Venezuela's Milagros Sequera, who also had to win two matches Saturday to take the championship. In the rain-delayed semifinal, they defeated Jelena Jankovic and Anne Kremer 75 57 62 then backed up to defeat Jelena Kostanic and Claudine Schaul in the final, 76(3) 63. McShea/Sequera now hold three titles together (all Tier III events), having won Acapulco and Strasbourg earlier this season. It was McShea's fourth Tour doubles title and Sequera's third. The team also reached the Birmingham final last week. --

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