PARMA/STARNBERG, September 23, 2023
Ana Bogdan is the champion of the 2023 Parma Ladies Open presented by Iren. The 30-year-old Romanian took the title of the third edition of the WTA 125 tournament organized by MEF Tennis Events and TC Parma.
On a packed Center Court, No. 2 seed Bogdan defeated top favourite Anna Karolina Schmiedlova from Slovakia 7-5, 6-1 in Saturday’s singles final. Bogdan capitalized on six of her 18 break-point opportunities to secure victory in one hour and 54 minutes.
You deserve it, Ana! 🥹👏
Ana #Bondar 🇷🇴 wins the Parma Ladies Open presented by @gruppoiren title beating Schmiedlova 7/5 6/1#tennis #ParmaLadiesOpen #WTA pic.twitter.com/pL9ew1cLCL
— MEF tennis events (@meftennisevents) September 23, 2023
“As I’ve said many times this week, I love Italy, I feel good at this club, and I’m happy with how it went,” said the World No. 71, who captured her third WTA 125 title following her triumphs on home soil in Iasi in 2022 and earlier this season.
Before the championship match, Bogdan had a 3-1 deficit in her head-to-head record with Schmiedlova. The only previous win for the Romanian had occurred last year at the TC Parma, ending with a hard-fought 6-2, 3-6, 6-3 victory. Reflecting on her opponent, Bogdan praised Schmiedlova as a tough, solid, and consistent player. However, she was determined to win this final and put her heart into it to create a beautiful memory.
Just two months ago, Bogdan reached her career-best ranking of World No. 39. With her title win in Parma, she will climb 10 positions and start the next week as the 61st-ranked player on the WTA Tour. “It hasn’t been an easy year for me, but I’ve worked hard with my team, and every week I give my best wherever I go. All players face difficulties, and I always want to do my best without thinking about the ranking. In the end, what matters is being happy,” Bogdan said.
Despite the final defeat, Schmiedlova enjoyed a solid week in Italy, coming close to a title she hasn’t won in two years since her victory in the 2021 WTA 125 event in Belgrade. The 29-year-old remains in the Top 60 and is ready to tackle the final months of the season.
