Jelena Ostapenko received her second title on grass with victory over Barbora Krejcikova within the ultimate of the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham.
In a battle of the highest two seeds, it was the second seed who got here out on high, with Ostapenko triumphing 7-6 (8) 6-4.
It was the Latvian’s first title since Dubai final February and her first on grass since Eastbourne in 2021.
Ostapenko clinched a really tight first set on her fourth set level within the tie-break after saving one probability for Krejcikova and moved to the brink of victory at 5-1 within the second set.
Czech Krejcikova, who will return to the highest 10 on Monday, threatened a comeback, profitable three video games in a row, however Ostapenko made it throughout the road.
“She’s a really great player and congrats to her and her team,” mentioned the 26-year-old, who has survived a number of shut battles this week.
“I was really close from 5-1 to 5-4 but then I managed somehow and I’m really, really happy about it. I was fighting every match. I played five great matches, this was the only match in two sets. It’s a great preparation for Wimbledon and there’s still a couple of things I can do better.”
Krejcikova, who was taking part in her first ultimate on grass, didn’t drop a set till the ultimate and felt dropping the first-set tie-break was essential to the end result.
“She’s playing well,” mentioned the highest seed. “I’m disappointed but that’s tennis. (The tie-break) was maybe the key to the match because when you play the first set that long and you are up, down, up, down all the time – I was very unfortunate.
“I undoubtedly had a terrific week. It was very nice to be right here, I actually loved it. It’s particular to play on a centre court docket and to benefit from the help. I’m undoubtedly trying ahead to coming again.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
