The final of the Nature Valley International at Eastbourne between Caroline Wozniacki (1) and Aryna Sabalenka began with the top seed winning the toss and serving.
Th first rally was long and ended with a Wozniacki error, then winners from both players brought it to 15-30. Wozniacki found the net and Sabalenka had two break points. Running backhand saved one. Belarusian error and deuce. Overhead winner from Sabalenka and another break chance. Wasted with a backhand shot netted.
A fourth break point following a long Danish forehand.
Backhand winner saved that one. Big serve for game point. Forehand winner from Sabalenka and deuce. Two good serves and finally Wozniacki held for 1-0.
A much easier hold for Sabalenka, losing just the first point. 1-1.
2 great return winners and then a ripping forehand from Aryna presented her with three break points. A sizzling forehand return sealed the service break to love, and Sabalenka led 2-1.
A fortunate return winner helped Wozniacki defend the attack of Sabalenka and she managed to reach break point. Saved with a forehand winner. A further break point was converted when Sabalenka netted. 2-2.
10th winner, first off her backhand, from Sabalenka, began the next Wozniacki game which ended up at deuce after a saved break point.
Game point following a Danish forehand winner. A Danish forehand error sent it back to deuce. Break point after a good return, but a mistake and third deuce. Yet another break opportunity. This one converted with a perfect drop shot. 3-2 Sabalenka.
Recovering from 0-30 to game point, Sabalenka threw in errors and had to save a break point, which she did with a forehand winner. She held for 4-2, another forehand winner included for good measure.
The easiest service game for Wozniacki to date and she remained close at 3-4.
Drop shot, then ace and 40-0 for Sabalenka. A Wozniacki backhand pass for 40-30 and an error from Sabalenka - deuce. A delightful lob imported from Scandinavia and Wozniacki had break point. Saved with a Belarusian produced off forehand.
Game point. 5-3 Sabalenka.
A magic return by Sabalenka and a wayward forehand from Wozniacki presented the first set point. Saved. Double fault and second set point. Also saved with overplayed return. Wozniacki held but Sabalenka had the chance to serve for the opening set at 5-4
Two break back points for Wozniacki as she mounted her renowned pressure at the precise time needed.
A double fault and games tied at 5-5.
A fine return and 0-15. A poor attempt at a drop shot by Sabalenka and 15-15. Wozniacki, with another three points on the run, was now in the ascendancy, leading 6-5.
A Wozniacki down the line winner, followed by a shot hit long by Sabalenka, and the set was two points away. Three set points after Sabalenka found the net. A backhand winner down the line by Wozniacki sealed the deal, and she broke again to virtually steal the set 7-5.
Against all the momentum, Sabalenka achieved a break in the first game of set two, after trailing 30-15. She led 1-0.
Wozniacki immediately broke back 1-1
Wozniacki led 30-15 but two loose shots led to a break opportunity for Sabalenka. A backhand winner and the third successive break gave Sabalenka the lead 2-1.
Two quick service holds, Sabalenka to love and Wozniacki to 15 - Sabalenka 3-2.
Several Sabalenka errors saw Wozniacki convert her third break point in the game to level at 3-3.
Some handy first serving by Wozniacki, then some equally good returning from Sabalenka took the next game to deuce, before the top seed’s serving won out and she led 4-3.
A love game from Sabalenka, highlighted by an off forehand winner and it was 4-4.
Three stunning forehands and a winning drop shot earned Sabalenka a service break for 5-4, and the chance to serve for the set - a task she failed to complete in set one.
Three Sabalenka errors and a Wozniacki winner initiated a break and scores were 5-5, a replica of the opening set.
Two service holds and the tie break arrived.
A double fault from Wozniacki contributed to a 4-1 Sabalenka lead, with two serves to come. One was won with a Wozniacki special and she reduced the damage to just a single mini break.
Sabalenka won the next point, then Wozniacki won both points on her serve.
At 5-4 Sabalenka had two serves and could win the set off her racquet right here.
However it was Wozniacki who lifted and won the breaker 7-5, taking the final five points.
Caroline Wozniacki won her second Eastbourne title 7-5 7-6(5), nine years after her first, the 2009 success as a teenager. This was her 29th WTA Tour title overall and sets her up for a genuine tilt at Wimbledon next week.
Aryna Sabalenka had a terrific tournament and could have just as easily won today but for the wonderful defensive skills of her opponent, and the ability of the top seed to recover from all kinds of adversity in matches.
Aryna jumps 13 places in the world rankings to 32, a new career high, previously 43.
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