PA Media/dpa
London
Jelena Ostapenko won her second title on grass with victory over Barbora Krejcikova in the final of the Rothesay Classic in Birmingham.
In a battle of the top two seeds, it was the second seed who came out on top, with Ostapenko triumphing 7-6 (10-8), 6-4.
It was the Latvian’s first title since Dubai last February and her first on grass since Eastbourne in 2021.
Ostapenko clinched a very tight first set on her fourth set point in the tie-break after saving one chance for Krejcikova and moved to the brink of victory at 5-1 in the second set.
Czech Krejcikova threatened a comeback, winning three games in a row, but Ostapenko made it across the line.
“She’s a really great player and congrats to her,” said the 26-year-old, who has survived several close 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 playing her first final on grass, did not drop a set until the final and felt losing the first-set tie-break was crucial to the outcome.
“She’s playing well,” said the top 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 definitely had a great week. It was really nice to be here, I really enjoyed it. It’s special to play on a centre court and to enjoy the support. I’m definitely looking forward to coming back.”
