‘Pocket rocket’ Cibulková defies doubters | CNN

‘Pocket rocket’ Cibulková defies doubters to show sky’s the limit

By Henry Young and Don Riddell, CNN
2 minute read
Updated 1:58 PM EDT, Wed November 2, 2016
SINGAPORE - OCTOBER 31: Champion Dominika Cibulkova of Slovakia poses with the Billie Jean King trophy after her victory against Angelique Kerber of Germany at Clifford Pier on October 31, 2016 in Singapore. (Photo by Clive Brunskill/Getty Images)
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Cibulkova beats top-ranked Kerber to win year-end title
01:23 - Source: CNN

Story highlights

Dominika Cibulková beats world No.1 Angelique Kerber to win WTA finals

Moves to top five for first time ever, taking home $2M prize

Just 5ft 3in tall, tells CNN she's happy to motivate smaller players

CNN  — 

As the ball glanced fortuitously off the top of the net, Dominika Cibulková was already falling to the ground in tears of elation.

Three Championship points had passed her by, but after continuing to hustle and harry, the Slovak reaped the rewards – stunning world No. 1 Angelique Kerber to take the biggest title of her career.

They had said she was too small to play tennis, but the 5-foot 3-inch “Pocket Rocket” would soon be standing tall with the Billie Jean King trophy in her hands. King, a pioneering giant of the women’s game, is just over an inch taller.

“It’s hard to describe it with words,” Cibulkova told CNN. “It just feels great and I’ve never been so happy in my life. Amazing!”

Dominika Cibulkova won the WTA Finals in Singapore, an achievement she called the best of her career.
Dominika Cibulkova won the WTA Finals in Singapore, an achievement she called the best of her career.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
She overcame world No. 1 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-4 to claim the eighth WTA title of her career.
She overcame world No. 1 Angelique Kerber 6-3, 6-4 to claim the eighth WTA title of her career.
ROSLAN RAHMAN/AFP/AFP/Getty Images
Having missed out on three match points, the Slovakian took the title in two sets, collapsing to the ground in disbelief.
Having missed out on three match points, the Slovakian took the title in two sets, collapsing to the ground in disbelief.
Julian Finney/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
She picks up a handsome $2 million in prize money.
She picks up a handsome $2 million in prize money.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Angelique Kerber has enjoyed a successful year, winning the Australian and US Open titles on her way to becoming world No. 1. However, she was outplayed by Cibulkova in the final.
Angelique Kerber has enjoyed a successful year, winning the Australian and US Open titles on her way to becoming world No. 1. However, she was outplayed by Cibulkova in the final.
Matthew Stockman/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images for WTA
Victory in Singapore is timely for the Slovakian, who has struggled in recent Grand Slams. In this year's French Open, she lost in the third round against Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro.
Victory in Singapore is timely for the Slovakian, who has struggled in recent Grand Slams. In this year's French Open, she lost in the third round against Spain's Carla Suarez Navarro.
Dennis Grombkowski/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Having won her first grass-court title at the WTA's Eastbourne International, Cibulkova reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in July.
Having won her first grass-court title at the WTA's Eastbourne International, Cibulkova reached the Wimbledon quarterfinals in July.
Clive Brunskill/Getty Images Europe/Getty Images
Her best Grand Slam performance came during the 2014 Australian Open, where she was defeated in the final by China's Li Na.
Her best Grand Slam performance came during the 2014 Australian Open, where she was defeated in the final by China's Li Na.
Michael Dodge/Getty Images AsiaPac/Getty Images
Dominika Cibulkova wins WTA Finals in Singapore

Motivation

Cibulková has always been a fighter.

In an age where height and power dominates, she has defied the odds from the start – admitting after the match that some had sought to turn her away from the game growing up.

“They underestimated me. I really wanted to play tennis – nobody could tell me different.”

Ranked 66th at the start of the year, it’s been a long road to the top. Martina Navratilova, an eight-time winner of the WTA showpiece event, has remarked that the only time Cibulková stops working hard is when she’s asleep – something the 27-year-old attests to.

READ: Cibulkova stuns Angelique Kerber in Singapore

“I think she’s right; I have to put something extra into my game and into my tennis to beat the taller girls,” said Cibulkova, who is five inches shorter than Sunday’s opponent Kerber, and 10 below 6’ 1” Karolina Pliskova, the tallest player in the top 10.

“My height – this is something I deal with, and I’m happy to be the motivation for other people like me.”

The sky’s the limit

The plucky Cibulková hit 28 winners and just 14 unforced errors on her way to becoming the first WTA finals debutant to take the title since Petra Kvitova in 2011.

After neutralizing the renowned Kerber return with an 83% first-serve percentage, Monday’s rankings see her move into the top five for the first time ever.

Andy Murray triumphs in the Vienna Open event as he beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final.
Andy Murray triumphs in the Vienna Open event as he beats Jo-Wilfried Tsonga in the final.
HANS PUNZ/AFP/Getty Images

Related article Seventh ATP title of 2016 lifts Andy Murray within touching distance of No.1

“Right now I’m in the state of mind where I really believe in myself,” Cibulková says. “I just really believe that I can be – that I am – one of the best tennis players in the world.

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“And I want to continue; I just want to see where I can get with this attitude. Hopefully I can get even further.”