Haddad Maia wins Birmingham title

Final day in Birmingham. 

Including semi finals unable to be played because of constant rain the previous day.

2022 Rothesay Classic Birmingham, a WTA 250 tournament, on Grass, in Birmingham, United Kingdom, 13-19 June 2022.

2021 champion (not defending):

Ons Jabeur (2) who defeated Daria Kasatkina (4) 7-5 6-4

Semi final results:

Zhang Shuai (8) defeated Sorana Cirstea (6) 4-6 6-1 7-6(5)

Beatriz Haddad Maia defeated Simona Halep (2) 6-3 2-6 6-4

Final:

Zhang Shuai (8) (China) v Beatriz Haddad Maia (Brazil)

Zhang Shuai saved a break point in the opening game, then broke Haddad Maia to love in the next game for 2-0.

In a game of four deuces, Zhang Shuai saved two break back points, but couldn’t save a third, and her lead was 2-1.

Haddad Maia broke again in the seventh game to lead 4-3.

After Zhang Shuai held serve in the ninth game, and trailed 4-5, the Chinese player was forced to retire with a neck injury.

Beatriz Haddad Maia won the match 5-4 (retired).  Not the ideal way to win a title, but it is in the record books, and is the second winners trophy in a row for Beatriz.