Lexus Ilkley Open 2026: Ashlyn Krueger crowned women’s singles champion

The 22-year-old overcame a competitive opening set before pulling away to seal a 7–5, 6–2 victory in one hour and 31 minutes.

The title marks Krueger’s second WTA 125 trophy on grass, adding to her success at the Veneto Open in 2023, where she defeated former HSBC Championships winner Tatjana Maria.

The title marks Krueger’s second WTA 125 trophy on grass, adding to her success at the Veneto Open in 2023, where she defeated former HSBC Championships winner Tatjana Maria. It also builds on her recent momentum following a semi-final appearance at the Lexus Birmingham Open last week.

Krueger has been forced to fight through some testing matches this week, including her semi-final clash against Vidmanova where she was made to come through in three sets.

In contrast, today’s final in Ilkley marked a first grass court final for Naef and the nerves were apparent.

Krueger made a blistering start on Centre Court at the Ilkley Lawn Tennis Centre as she opened up a double break and 4-1 lead. The Swiss star soon settled into the contest and responded well to the setback - reeling off four games on the bounce to draw back to even terms at 4-4.

However, the world No.113 regained control at the crucial moment - break to love before staving off two break points to consolidate for a one set lead.

It was an even start to the second with both players comfortably holding serve. However, Krueger caught wind of another opening in the fifth game and made her chances count - finding her first of two breaks to set herself up with the chance to serve out the victory.

Some late nerves crept in for the American, but she soon composed herself, closing out her second grass court title on her third match point.