Radwanska masters art of finishing on a high note

Agnieszka Radwanska of Poland is congratulated by Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic (R) after their women's singles finals tennis match of the WTA Finals at the Singapore Indoor Stadium November 1, 2015.  [Photo/Agencies]

AWKWARD CUSTOMER

Radwanska's guile and ability to make her opponent always have to play one more shot has established her as one of the most awkward customers on the WTA Tour.

Kvitova, who was full of praise for Radwanska's technique and movement, made 53 unforced errors as she aimed for the corners to try and put away the Pole, a player dubbed 'La Profesora' for her shrewdness on court.

"Yeah, well, I think this is always great to hear, especially from those kind of players like Andy Murray or the other girls," Radwanska said.

"I think this is a big respect, so I just have to appreciate it. It's always a very nice compliment when I hear that my tennis is smart or very entertaining. Each time I'm very happy to hear that, like I'm hearing it for the first time."

Respect is nice but a grand slam title is what she really craves.

Amelie Mauresmo was the last player to win the WTA Finals before a grand slam when she triumphed in Los Angeles in 2005. The Frenchwoman, Murray's current coach, backed up that triumph the following year by winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon.

Radwanska, a finalists at the grass court major in 2012 hoped for something similar having beaten top seed Simona Halep, world number three Garbine Muguruza and Kvitova to take the title in Singapore.

"Well, for sure it gives me more confidence, especially that in a grand slam you also to have win and beat (a) couple of top players in a row," she said.

"I think here it's even harder because there is just eight of us and you don't have any first rounds to get used to the courts. But definitely a good start. I'll definitely try to do that next year."