Keys warms up for Wimbledon with Rothesay International Eastbourne victory
Madison Keys claimed her seventh WTA singles title by beating Daria Kasatkina in the final of the LTA’s Rothesay International Eastbourne, writes Sportsbeat's Oli Dickson-Jefford.
Champion in Eastbourne nine years ago, Keys claimed the third grass court title of her career by edging past Kasatkina 6-2 7-6(13) on Saturday afternoon, holding off a fightback from her opponent to prevail in straight sets.
World No.11 Kastakina saved three championship points in an absorbing second-set tiebreak, as well as missing a chance herself to level the match, before Keys finally triumphed to seal her first WTA title since January 2022.
"To win here again gives me really good memories of Eastbourne," said Keys. "It feels like home.
As good as it gets on match point 🤩@Madison_Keys' winning moment is your #RothesayInternational Shot of the Day 💫 pic.twitter.com/ZFbHVJVZiu
— LTA (@the_LTA) July 1, 2023
"If you told me two weeks ago this is where I would be, I wouldn't have believed you. After a tough year, being able to hold this trophy is absolutely amazing."
Meanwhile, Francisco Cerundolo battled past Tommy Paul to claim the men’s singles crown on Centre Court.
After rain delays on Friday saw play suspended, it took fourth seed Cerundolo just one game to close out a 2-6 7-5 6-2 win against Mackenzie McDonald and reach the first grass court final of his career.
Paul had to start his semi-final against Gregoire Barrere from the very beginning after being unable to take to court on Friday, though the American eased his way to a quick 6-4 6-3 victory on Court 1.
In a final that ebbed and flowed, it was the Argentine who was ultimately able to find his way past the second seed, triumphing 6-4 1-6 6-4 for his second ATP title.
Sealed with a kiss 😘🏆@FranCerundolo | #RothesayInternational pic.twitter.com/VaUS2qoFPc
— LTA (@the_LTA) July 1, 2023
In the women's doubles, Desirae Krawczyk and Demi Schuurs clinched the title with a 6-2 6-4 victory over Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez.
The men's quads title was taken by world No.8 Andy Lapthorne, who got past compatriot Greg Slade 6-2 6-0 to seal his third singles title of the year, while the women's wheelchair title was won by Diede de Groot, who beat Jiske Griffioen 6-3 6-4.
The Dutch duo then teamed up to clinch the doubles title, beating Great Britain's Lucy Shuker and her partner Zhenzhen Zhu 6-3 6-3.
For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website
