Qualifier Barthel revels in Prague triumph

An exhausted Mona Barthel said she surprised herself by coming from a set down to win the Prague Open with victory over home favourite Kristyna Pliskova.

Qualifier Barthel was forced to play eight matches in as many days to earn her fourth WTA Tour title and first since 2014.

The German found herself behind on Saturday against Pliskova, who was looking to follow in sister Karolina's footsteps by winning the Prague title, but recovered impressively to triumph 2-6 7-5 6-2.

In an on-court interview, Barthel said: "I still can't believe it. It was such a long and tough week.

"I felt so exhausted and Kristyna played so well in the first set - I actually don't know how I did it. I was just trying to fight and trying to keep playing and somehow I made it.

"I am completely exhausted. Today I woke up and I was feeling so bad, I was like 'No, come on, one more day?'

"But I don't know how I managed the final, I think I just gave all my energy and tomorrow I will be completely wasted I guess."