Wozniacki and Zverev take titles in Eastbourne

Top seed Caroline Wozniacki got the perfect boost for Wimbledon as she beat Belarusian Aryna Sabalenka 7-5 7-6(5) to claim the Eastbourne grass-court title.

The Dane found herself behind in both sets and had to save a set point in the opener at a sunny Devonshire Park but used all her experience to claim a 29th career title on Saturday.

“It’s just amazing,” said Wozniacki, also champion in 2009.

“It’s been a long time ago since I was here as the winner of this tournament, so it’s great that I can still play almost 10 years later.”

In the men’s final, Germany’s Mischa Zverev beat Lukas Lacko of Slovakia 6-4 6-4 to claim the first ATP title of his career at the age of 30.

“I hope it’s going to help me in the future,” said the world No.67.

.@CaroWozniacki has won her second #NatureValleyInternational title!

Downs Sabalenka 7-5, 7-6(5) to claim the crown! pic.twitter.com/qhe68ZEeXY

— WTA (@WTA) June 30, 2018

“It’s going to take pressure off of me. It’s going to give me more confidence, show me that, like, I can play five matches and win them all and win the tournament and I can do it physically and mentally.

“So I hope it’s going to help me.”

Wozniacki, who will be second seed at Wimbledon, knew she was in for a tough challenge as she took five minutes to hold her opening service game against the fired-up 20-year-old.

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Sabalenka did break to love in the third game only for Wozniacki to hit back immediately.

Wozniacki was struggling to contain her attack-minded opponent though and found herself 5-3 behind before finding another gear and reeling off the next four games.

Sabalenka was not deterred and continued to blaze away with some ferocious groundstrokes and served for the second set at 5-4 only to be pegged back once again.

Even in the tiebreak Sabalenka made all the running, moving 5-2 ahead, but Wozniacki kept her cool in the soaring temperatures to snatch victory.

In Turkey, Damir Dzumhur of Bosnia & Herzegovina beat Frenchman Adrian Mannarino 6-1 1-6 6-1 to win the Antalya Open.

“[This is my] third title, the first this year and my first ever on grass,” said Dzumhur.

“I didn’t expect this one, especially because it is the surface I play one or two tournaments each year. But it seems, from next year, I should play much more.”