Angelique Kerber survived both comebacks of Karolina Pliskova, one in the first and one in the third set, and won the close final of the Aegon Classic Birmingham 6-7(5) 6-3 7-6(4) for her sixth career title and third this season.
Kerber was in charge through most of the first set, but it’s of no use if you don’t capitalize on it. In the opening game the German already scored a break on her third break point and kept that advantage all the way to 5-3 40-0. Pliskova, however, didn’t give up, saved four set points, held her serve, then broke Kerber to level to 5-5 and managed to win the tiebreak that followed.
When Pliskova broke Kerber at the start of the second set, it seemed that the momentum had shifted, but Kerber didn’t allow herself to melt away and broke Pliskova back right away. Additional break by Kerber in the fourth game, for 3-1, ensured the continuation of the battle in the third set.
The decider started with Kerber’s dominance, as the world No.10 established a 3-1 lead and even served for the match at 5-4, but Pliskova brought the threat back, broke Kerber for 5-5 and forced a tiebreak yet again. This time, however, Kerber took firm hold of the tiebreak and from 4-4 won all the points, capitalizing on her first match point which has brought her $124,000 in prize money.
Kerber’s winning apparel: the Adidas Spring All Premium Tank in flash orange with striped mesh around the neckline and upper back and the matching Adidas Spring All Premium Skirt.
I hope you enjoyed our coverage of the Aegon Classic Birmingham, for which I should especially thank my photographer Jimmie48, who is now already in Eastbourne and yesterday he photographed the big return of Laura Robson.
What is Pliskova wearing? Looks good, nice colours!
Claire, she is wearing a Li Ning dress here. This is her photo from Birmingham, but in the final she didn’t wear this dress, rather a white outfit.
Had pliskova won this match she would have been in Top 10!! She is going in right direction and I see a lot of potential in her.But nothing to be disappointed here Remember Kvitova lost to marion bartoli in a grass court tournament before winning Wimbledon So.. 😀 Plus she has perfect game for grass too… i hope she performs well and enters top 10 at Wimbledon even though that’d effect my top 10 predictions 😛 . Also wouldn’t it be cool if her twin sister raises her game and both of them being in top 10 😀
Sru, Pliskova is a big force now. I don’t doubt she’ll only rise and improve. As for her sis, well, it’s a long shot. I wonder what their relationship is like, given that they are twins, but the disparity between their career successes is huge.
Usually, twins are very tight and appreciate each other’s company, not meaning their careers have to be identical. I figure Kristyna does not go in for it as much, and is probably satisfied with mainly doubles. Then there are the Bouchard twins as well – the other sister quit tennis at the age of five, I think… 🙂
Claire, you’re right about Bouchards. I know about the closeness of twins, but since Krystina is also playing tennis competitively, it often crosses my mind how she may feel as a much less successful sister. Let’s hope she’s content with the way things are.