Coco Vandeweghe was looking to make it two finals in as many tournaments on grass as she squared off against Barbora Strycova. Strycova herself was looking to make her second Premier final for the year and second here at the Aegon Classic.
It wasn’t going the Czech’s way though, who lost five games in a row, as Vandeweghe powered through for the first set. Strycova, who had to play three matches the day before, still had something left in her tank as she fought back to take the second set. Momentum looked to have swung the Czech’s way as she held on to one of the breaks to eventually close out the match 2-6, 6-4, 6-3.
Vandeweghe proves too strong
It wasn’t the best of start from Strycova, who went down an early break in the opening game. Vandeweghe was attacking and taking the opportunity to come to net as she carved out another break point in on the Czech’s serve in the third game. Strycova fended off one but the American had another opening and this time was able to convert for a 3-0 lead.
The American was comfortable on serve, despite Strycova trying her best to defend, as she raced to a 4-0 lead. The Czech was finding it hard on her own service games but came up with a brilliant drop shot to rescue yet another break point in the fifth game. However, it just wasn’t enough against the on-song American who broke at the second attempt with a fiery return winner for a staggering 5-0 lead.
Serving for a 6-0 set, Vandeweghe faltered handing Strycova a break back and prevented a first set bagel.The fightback looked to be on as the Czech finally won a game on serve to climb to 2-5. At her second chance to serve out the set, the American got it done closing out the set 6-2.
Strycova was well and truly in the match as she fought back to level
Strycova started off the second set with a relatively comfortable hold and turned aggressive on the American’s serve. She got rewarded for her efforts with a chance to get an immediate break but Vandeweghe stood firm to hold for 1-1. Roles were immediately reversed though as the Czech was in trouble sending her shot into the net to give the American a chance to break. Vandeweghe capitalized after another error to lead 2-1.
Strycova was not backing down though finishing off cooly after a brilliant rally to get break back point. The American sent an untimely double fault to gift the game and break back to the Czech for 2-2. Strycova edged ahead 3-2 with an important service hold. As Vandeweghe held her game to level for three games all, she upped her level and earned a double break point. The Czech snuffed both points bravely to dig out a hold.
With Strycova keeping her nose in front for 5-4, it was Vandeweghe’s turn to serve to stay in the set. And under pressure, the American handed the Czech with set point. Even though Vandeweghe saved it, the Czech kept coming back, and this time converted to grab the second set after the American fired wide.
Strycova finds her groove as Vandeweghe falters
It looked like there was a momentum swing towards the Czech’s direction as she started the third set strongly. However, she soon had to defend a couple of break point in the third game. Strycova remained calm and went on to save thrice to go 2-1 ahead. Chances were now coming for both players and a terrible miss by Vandeweghe at the net saw the Czech with an opportunity to extend her lead in the deciding set. And she does just that as the American netted her backhand.
However, Strycova could not hold on to the break as Vandeweghe managed to break right back for 2-3. Even though she had broken back, the pressure was telling on the American who broke down at the sit-down. It must have been playing in her head as Vandeweghe failed to consolidate going down 2-4. The Czech was looking the more fired up and positive of the two as she held for 5-2 to within a game of reaching the finals.
It was all crumbling for the American now as she presented Strycova with a couple of set point. Vandeweghe managed to shrug off the momentary lapse as she fought back to hold for 3-5. The Czech though was on course for a strong finish as she had triple match point on her own serve. And she eventually sealed the match with an ace, setting up a clash against Madison Keys in the final.