Konjuh takes inaugural Elena Baltacha title

Ana Konjuh won her first WTA title as she lifted the trophy for the Nottingham Open, which has been renamed in honour of the late Elena Baltacha.

Croatias Ana Konjuh with the Elena Baltacha Trophy after her Nottingham Open victory. Picture: Getty

The Croatian teenager beat Monica Niculescu of Romania 1-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the final.

Niculescu, who beat top seed Agnieszka Radwanska in the semi-finals, won the first five games of the opening set but 17-year-old Konjuh, the world No 87, recovered to win.

The trophy is named in memory of former British 
No 1 Baltacha, who died of cancer last year, and the grass-court event marks the beginning of the build-up to Wimbledon, which starts on 29 June.

Rain delays had caused the final to be played on Monday, and also forced Konjuh to play twice on Sunday, including a semi-final win over fifth seed Alison Riske.

“My family watched at home, all the neighbours came to the house and they’re drinking champagne. They’re really happy,” she said. afterwards