American Madison Keys powered to a 6-3 6-4 win over Barbora Strycova in the Aegon Classic final in Birminghm, claiming only the second grass-court title of her career.
Strycova, who was playing her 18th set of the week after reaching both the singles and doubles finals, still had enough energy and tenacity to come close to turning the second set around.
The Czech player appeared poised to get back into the match when she earned a break point in the eighth game of the second set, but Keys saved it with a series of well-controlled and well-placed forehand drives allowing the American to cruise to the title.
“I am just going to focus on this – I am really happy. I will start focusing on Wimbledon tomorrow,” Keys said.
Such a great week in Birmingham. Thanks for all the support!! ???????????? pic.twitter.com/DmPSPBZznQ
— Madison Keys (@Madison_Keys) June 19, 2016
The victory propels Keys into the world’s top 10 for the first time.
26 August 2019
Was 1999 the most memorable season in tennis?Recency bias may lead people to disagree, but... More
14 August 2017
Maria Sharapova has opened up in her memoir Unstoppable, revealing her take on how Serena ... More
6 September 2017
Yes, you read that right. Tomorrow, Andrey Rublev is going to walk out on court to play th... More
16 February 2017
In the first part of our series analysing the similarities and differences between men's ... More
© 2024 Tennis Australia