Magdalena Rybarikova has claimed the first tournament victory of her career by winning the AEGON Classic title in Edgbaston.
Rybarikova, the No.13 seed and world No.58, defeated China’s Na Li 6-0 7-6(2) in 1 hour 13 minutes on Sunday.
The 20 year-old from Slovakia got off to a flying start, breaking serve three times and dropping just 11 points en route to winning the first set.
However, Li, who knocked out Maria Sharapova in the semi-final, fought back strongly in the second set but could not take the match into a decider, losing in a tie-break.
This victory is the perfect preparation for Rybarikova ahead of Wimbledon, which gets under way on Monday 22nd June at The All England Club.
Rybarikova has gained direct entry into main draw at The Championships for the first time. Last year, she came through the qualifying draw before bowing out in the opening round.
Black & Huber win doubles title
Zimbabwean Cara Black and American Liezel Huber, the top seeds and No.1 pair in the world, won the doubles title in Edgbaston on Sunday afternoon.
Black and Huber retained the title they won together last year by defeating American No.4 seeds Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears 6-1 6-4 in under an hour.
The champions have an incredible career doubles record having won 86 titles between them, Black with 49 and Huber with 37 although many have been won together.
- Magdalena Rybarikova reflects on beating Na Li to win the title