Madison Keys claimed the second WTA title of her career by beating Barbora Strycova in the final of the Aegon Classic on Sunday.
The 21-year-old American was already guaranteed to enter the top 10 in the world rankings as a result of her exploits in Birmingham and capped off a memorable week by seeing off the unseeded Strycova 6-3 6-4.
A break in each set was enough for Keys to secure another title to add to the one she won in Eastbourne two years ago, raising hopes she can make an impact at Wimbledon.
Seventh seed Keys, beaten by Serena Williams in the Internazionali d’Italia final in May, saved all four break points she faced and sealed victory in an hour and 19 minutes.
Strycova had ended Coco Vandeweghe’s impressive winning run in the semi-final, but was unable to get the better of another promising American.
The world number 30 from the Czech Republic had only dropped one set en route to the final, but was 3-0 down in a flash and Keys pressed home that advantage to take the opener.
Strycova had three break points in the second game of the second set after fending off four in the previous game, but was unable to take the upper hand.
Keys broke to love to take a 5-4 lead and ruthlessly served out the match to deny the Czech a second singles tournament victory.
