Marina Erakovic believes she has taken a significant step forward in her career despite losing the final of the Bell Challenge in Quebec to the Czech Republic's Barbara Zahlavova Strycova this morning.
New Zealander Erakovic, in her first WTA final, began well and won the first set but faded toa 4-6, 6-1, 6-0 defeat.
A move up the rankings will inevitably result from her making the final and Erakovic, currently the world No 85, said her confidence will go the same way, especially after her first-set performance.
"I feel more comfortable at this level with these players and I definitely know I have a game that can win me a lot of matches so it's definitely a step forward in the right direction,'' she said.
"It's disappointing, it's a tough one to lose especially after my good start but I played a lot of good matches here this week and it is my first final, so many positives out there.''
World No 75-ranked Strycova served at 83 per cent over the last two sets _ the third set at 93 per cent _ to take control of the match and claim her first WTA title.
Erakovic said that was one part of her game that she wanted to improve. "I want a better serve but there's no doubt I can improve from here and get better. I think I'm a very good tennis player. I have a lot of good shots that a lot of players haven't.''
Erakovic, who is set to play in Europe before returning to New Zealand in November, was the first Kiwi to reach a WTA final since Belinda Cordwell in Singapore 22 years ago.
