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Rybarikova stuns Li, Haas triumphs

Source: Agencies | June 15, 2009, Monday | Print Edition

MAGDALENA Rybarikova won her first WTA Tour title yesterday after upsetting fourth-seeded Li Na of China 6-0, 7-6 (2) in the final of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham, England.

The 20-year-old Slovak used her strong serve and good topspin shots to dominate the first set, but had to save two set points in the second to reach the tiebreaker.

The 13th-seeded Rybarikova had beaten top seed Zheng Jie in the third round.

"It's a great feeling, it's definitely the best moment of my career," Rybarikova said. "I was nervous, yes, but not in the first set. I was okay to start with, and then in the second set I got very nervous. But now it's absolutely great."

Li beat Maria Sharapova in Saturday's semifinals with one of her best career performances, but struggled with unforced errors against Rybarikova. She joked that the previous win was the reason for her shaky final.

"It was the first time I had beaten Sharapova," Li said. "I was so excited last night. I think I must have forgotten I had a match today."

Li had a set point at 5-4 on Rybarikova's serve, but put a simple forehand into the net. She had a second chance two points later, but wasted that one as well.

Rybarikova is ranked 38 places below Li, and her win is likely to take the Slovakian to her highest ranking position. Her previous best was 46 in February this year.

In Halle, Germany, Tommy Haas upset second seed Novak Djokovic 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-1 in the Gerry Weber Open final yesterday to win his first title on grass.

The 31-year-old German became the oldest ATP tour winner this year after collecting his 12th career title in a tournament seen as a warmup for Wimbledon. Haas has now won titles on all surfaces.

It was his first title since winning in Memphis in February 2007 and his first final since then. "It means a lot to me to beat a player as classy as you in the final," Haas said at the victory ceremony as he turned to Djokovic.

Shoulder surgery

Haas was ranked No. 2 in 2002, but injuries have hampered his career in recent years and he had his third shoulder surgery in November 2007. He entered the tournament ranked No. 41 and will jump up about five spots.

"It's incredible, I can hardly believe it myself when I think of the highs and lows I've been through in the last year and a half," Haas said. "It's been a dream week."

The German had his best showing at the French Open in seven years when he reached the fourth round, losing to eventual champion Roger Federer in five sets.

Djokovic was in his second career final on grass, after Queens last year.

A former Australian Open champion who is now ranked No. 4 in the world, Djokovic lost his fourth final of the year. He has two titles in 2009.

"I did not play well at all," the Serb said. "I was lucky to win the second set."

Haas never faced a break point in the first two sets but had two double faults in the tiebreaker to allow Djokovic to take a 5-2 lead. Djokovic lost the next two points, however, including one when he made a rare advance to the net behind a second serve.
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