Graf Has to Battle Before Earning Her Ninth German Open Title

BERLIN —  Steffi Graf won her ninth German Open on Sunday, but was forced to battle over three tough sets before ending the upset run of Slovakia’s Karina Habsudova.

The top-seeded Graf let a match point slip away before completing a 4-6, 6-2, 7-5 victory over Habsudova, who had defeated three top-20 players to reach the final.

Graf, who has won the German Open more than any other tournament, said the title restored some of her confidence for the French Open, which starts May 27. She lost to 15-year-old Martina Hingis in the Italian Open quarterfinals at Rome last week.

“To win on clay again was very important,” Graf said. “But the uncertainty is still there--it’s not gone yet.”

Graf won $200,000, while Habsudova earned $100,000. It was Graf’s 98th career title.

Habsudova, 22, who has been slowed by injuries in the past three years, began the year ranked No. 98.