Angelique Kerber wins first clay title since 2016

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(Massimo Insabato/Archivio Massimo Insabato/Mondadori Portfolio via Getty Images)

Former world No. 1 Angelique Kerber clinched her first title on clay since 2016 in Stuttgart, downing Kaja Juvan 7-6(5), 6-7(0), 7-6(5) in the Internationaux de Strasbourg final Saturday.

Kerber held on through the three tiebreak sets, battling for 3 hours and 16 minutes before lifting the trophy in Strasbourg.

The 34-year-old had a trying season until her latest triumph, winning only two matches in 2022 before her Strasbourg run.

Kerber sealed her hard-fought victory with a stunning passing shot, putting an exclamation point on her championship in France.

The German star will have a quick turnaround as she heads into the French Open, taking on Magdalena Fręch in the first round at Roland Garros on Monday.