Van Uytvanck sealed a 6-7(5), 6-1, 6-2 victory over the second seed in exactly two hours to lift her fourth career title on grass.

“First of all Tatjana, what an incredible tournament. You’re so tough to play on grass – and every other surface – and I had to bring out my best game.

“It’s been an amazing week and I want to thank all the people who have come out and supported us – it was amazing to play in front of you guys."

Maria made the brighter start of the two and after an early break had the chance to serve for the set at 5-3.

However, the German missed on a couple of key short balls to give Van Uytvanck a way back into the contest as she picked up her level to draw level and force a tie-break.

Maria’s consistent use of the slice is deadly on a grass court and helped her to the initial mini-break with a tricky ball at the feet of the approaching Belgian at 3-2 before going on to set up three set points. The 2022 champion clawed two back but at the third time of asking Maria finally got over the line.

Van Uytvanck had started to build momentum towards the end of the first and took complete control in the second. From 1-1 she won five straight games to force the decider.

Maria steadied herself with back-to-back holds at the start of the third but a brace of unforced errors accompanied by a well-measured pass from the Belgian gave her the initial break.

The former world No.37 progressed through the gears as the match and was able to clinch a fifth break before serving out her second title in South West London.