Sloane Stephens was looking to continue her strong start to the season. The American was looking for her third title of 2016, as she battled Russian Elena Vesnina in the final of the Volvo Car Open. The American was the favourite, seeded 7th in Charleston, but the Russian qualifier had won their only previous meeting and beat two of the top five seeds, in making it to the championship match.

We pick things up in the opening set, and Stephens with a break point, but the 84th ranked Vesnina seems to be in control, smashing away as the American continues to return things. But Vesnina, hit her last shot wide, giving Stephens a 4-2 lead.

The Russian would fall behind 5-2, but storms back and shows off some good skills at the net, and eventually puts away this volley -- as she forces the opening set into a tiebreak. 

But the American would get the better of her opponent in the extra session -- as this backhand winner down the line is enough to seal the set.

And Stephens would continue to play well in the next frame, another winner down the line puts her in complete control -- taking a 4-1 lead.

Vesnina seemed to tire, and puts this return wide on match point -- as Stephens takes the title in Charleston, 7-6, 6-2 -- her first ever crown on clay.