BIRMINGHAM, UK
Two-time champion Maria Sharapova has been forced to withdraw from the Nature Valley Classic in Birmingham.
"I have good memories of Birmingham so I’m disappointed not to be able to play this year," she said. "I need to take care of my body and make sure I stay healthy and sometimes that means you have to take tough decisions like this one. I wish everyone in Birmingham a great tournament."
BIRMINGHAM, Great Britain
In just her second tournament since injuring her hand during a home invasion, Petra Kvitova roared back from a set down to defeat Ashleigh Barty, 4-6, 6-3, 6-2 to win her first title of the year at the Aegon Classic in Birmingham.
Lucie Safarova became the first semi-finalist of the day, defeating Australian ninth seed Daria Gavrilova 6-7(4), 6-3, 7-6(5) in an epic three-hour marathon. The Czech, ranked no.41 in the world spectacularly saved three match points before reaching her second semi-final on grass in the space of a week. Safarova also came back from two match points down in her previous match against third seed Dominika Cibulkova
BIRMINGHAM, England
Lucie Safarova booked her quarterfinal spot at the Aegon Classic Birmingham in commanding fashion, taking down Naomi Osaka in straight sets, 6-2, 6-4.
“Naomi is a great player and she is serving so strong, so I knew I had to be really ready today,” Safarova said in her on-court interview.
“I just waited for my opportunities when she gives me second serves. I played really well today, I’m very happy with my game.”
2017 Birmingham
LEVEL: Premier
CITY: BIRMINGHAM
LOCATION: GREAT BRITAIN
PRIZE MONEY: $819,940
