Sloane Stephens secured her third WTA title of the year with a straight-sets victory over Elena Vesnina in the final of the Volvo Car Open on Sunday.
The 23-year-old American, who had already won tournaments in Auckland and Acapulco this year, beat her Russian opponent 7-6(4) 6-2 to take the title in Charleston.
Vesnina, who was playing in her eighth game of the tournament, showed signs of fatigue at times during the match and, despite fighting back from 5-2 down, lost the first set on a tie-break.
The 29 year-old Russian continued to show spirit in the second but could do nothing to stop Stephens, who secured the fourth title of her career after missing three earlier opportunities on match point.
"I knew I was going to get my opportunity, some way, if I just battled every point, and I think it worked," said Stephens, who becomes the first American to win the title since Serena Williams won back-to-back titles in 2012/13.
"She's a great player, so I knew I had to stay in every point. When I got a couple of opportunities, I took them, so that was great.
"I love red clay, so starting in Madrid, I think I'll have a lot of fun and just look forward to the French Open."