Top-seeded Shahar Peer of Israel won three straight matches to reach the final in the inaugural Citi Open women’s tennis tournament in College Park, Md., but lost 7-5, 6-2 to Nadia Petrova in the July 31 final.
Despite the loss, Peer rose three spots in the Women’s Tennis Association world rankings, moving up to No. 21. Petrova, of Russia, climbed four spots to No. 28. She improved to 6-0 against Peer and pocketed the tournament’s top prize of $37,000.
Peer, 24, was ranked as high as No. 11 earlier this year, the highest spot ever for an Israeli. — ap