By Erik Gudris | Sunday, June 15, 2014
Top seed Ana Ivanovic didn't drop a set all week as she claimed the Aegon Classic title in Birmingham.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy
The stellar season of Ana Ivanovic continued with yet another title and a breakthrough result in her career. This time at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham.
Top seed Ivanovic, having not dropped a set all week, reached the first grass court final of her career in Birmingham. Standing in her way of the title was Barbora Zahlavova Strycova of the Czech Republic.
With forceful returning, Ivanovic easily took hold of an early break in the opening set. Ivanovic soon served out the set 6-3 with help from an error by her opponent.
Zahlavova Strycova, who upset seeded players Lucie Safarova and Kristen Flipkens earlier in the week, had few answers against Ivanovic who often had the last answer in many of their rallies.
Ivanovic continued her momentum in the second set. With a forehand return winner, she broke Zahlavova Strycova for 2-1. Racing out to a 5-1 lead, Ivanovic soon held two match points on Zahlavova Strycova's serve. The Czech would save both and forced Ivanovic to serve for the title. That proved no problem for Ivanovic who once again held match points.
A final big serve from the Serbian's racquet clinched Ivanovic's 6-3, 6-2 victory.
Birmingham, the first ever grass court title won by Ivanovic, is now the third title of the year for her and 14th of her career. She also leads the WTA with the most number of wins this season at 37.
"The crowd really has been amazing. I enjoyed my time here and I look forward to next year," Ivanovic said during the trophy ceremony.
Raquel Kops-Jones and Abigail Spears won the doubles title.