Van Uytvanck returns to form on grass with W100 Surbiton crown
Alison Van Uytvanck doubled her grass court title collection after defeating Australia’s Arina Rodionova to win the W100 Surbiton title on the ITF World Tennis Tour.
In a repeat of last year’s W100 Nottingham final, the 28-year-old Belgian triumphed 7-6(3) 6-2 at the same event - this time held in South-West London - to win her 20th career title (and 13th at ITF level).
The victory marked a return to form for Van Uytvanck, who had won back-to-back matches on just one other occasion since she claimed the WTA $125K Limoges title in December.
“I had a title to defend, last year I won in Nottingham so I basically defended all of the points so I’m really happy,” she said. “I love to play on grass so I’m really happy with the win.
“My level rose throughout the week, I just love to have the low bounces, the serves, it’s important you have to stay aggressive, that’s what I like a lot about the grass and that’s what I had to do. Also the variety with the slice is what I did today and be patient a little bit, so yeah happy about that.”
Van Uytvanck was in two minds about participating at W100 Surbiton so soon after Roland Garros, where she fell to eventual runner-up Coco Gauff in the second round, but the world No. 46 was ultimately delighted with her choice.
“I wasn’t sure whether to come after Roland Garros but I’m so happy I came,” she said. “I love to play on grass, I think it’s a really nice centre court.”
Rodionova, meanwhile, also had plenty of positives to take away from the event, despite missing out on her first title above ITF W25 level.
“It’s been a great week,” said the world No. 147. “I was the last one in the main draw so I really didn’t think I was going to make it all the way till Sunday. Obviously, it’s a tough day for me today. Alison played some great tennis but at least we both defended our points from last year.
“Hopefully next year will be different.”
There was success for Australian players elsewhere on the ITF World Tennis Tour over the weekend, with 22-year-old Jaimee Fourlis claiming her most significant title yet on clay at W60 Brasov, defeating Turkey’s Ipek Oz in straight sets, and 17-year-old Talia Gibson winning her first professional singles title at W15 Rancho Santa Fe.
Spaniard Angela Fita Boluda, 22, also recorded a milestone triumph, claiming her third career title – and first above W15 level – at W60 Brescia.
Catch up on all the weekend’s women’s results on the ITF World Tennis Tour here