By Chris Oddo | Monday, June 15, 2015
17-year-old Ana Konjuh became the WTA's youngest title winner since 2006 by winning the Nottingham title on Monday.
Photo Source: Jon Buckle/Getty for LTA
17-year-old Croatian Ana Konjuh became the WTA’s youngest title winner in nine years on Monday when she defeated Monica Niculescu in the finals of the inaugural Aegon Open Nottingham, 1-6, 6-4, 6-2.
Giorgi Downs Bencic to Secure Maiden Title in 's-Hertogenbosch
Konjuh came through a challenging week weather-wise, and had to win two matches on Sunday, over Sachia Vickery and Alison Riske, just to reach the final.
During Monday’s title tilt Konjuh looked overwhelmed and a bit fatigued, and she fell behind quickly to Niculescu. Naturally the Romanian’s unorthodox style played a role in Konjuh’s struggles, but showing poise beyond her years, the Dubrovnik, Croatia native rallied to take the final two sets and claim the title.
"She's an uncomfortable player to play against, especially on grass with that many slices,” said Konjuh, who improves to 6-1 lifetime on grass. “It's so frustrating. But she has that experience and she took the first set because I wasn't ready for it.”
Konjuh climbs 32 spots in the WTA rankings with her maiden title. She is the youngest WTA title winner since Tamira Paszek won in Portoroz in 2006.
“I didn't expect it,” Konjuh said, according to WTATennis.com. “I came here two days before to acclimatize on grass, and after five matches I've won the tournament, so it feels great. I will remember that—it's going to hold a special place in my heart, this tournament."