Angelique Kerber proves too strong for Laura Siegemund in Stuttgart

Angelique Kerber has won the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix in Stuttgart for the second year in a row after beating her fellow German Laura Siegemund 6-4 6-0.

Word No 71 Siegemund was playing in her first WTA Tour final after embarking on an amazing run this week in which she defeated top-10 players Agnieszka Radwanska, Roberta Vinci and Simona Halep.

However, she met her match in the form of world No 3 and Australian Open champion Kerber, who took charge of the match after a slow start.

Siegemund continued her fine form from the earlier rounds at the beginning of the match, utilising plenty of drop shots to frustrate Kerber and race into a 3-0 lead.

However, Kerber then broke the Siegemund serve three times as she quickly got back into the match, eventually winning the first set 6-4.

Siegemund received treatment on a back injury at the start of the second set and was unable to stem the tide when the action resumed.

Using her trademark forehand down the line to good effect, Kerber raced through set two, clinching victory after 81 minutes when Siegemund netted a backhand slice.

It was a ninth career title for second-seed Kerber and the first time she has successfully defended a title.

"It could not get any better than today," said Kerber.

"In the first set, I needed to find my rhythm in the beginning. She played a great tournament and I am happy I could beat her. It was special to win here again."

Siegemund said: "At the moment, I am disappointed. I am completely empty today. I could have played better but she did well.

"I had a good week but I reached my limits. At such a level you need the fitness and, after seven matches, I was missing that today."