Top seed Ana Ivanovic reaches Aegon Classic final

Top seed Ana Ivanovic is through to the final of the Aegon Classic after beating China’s, Shuai Zhang in straight sets.

The world No.13 was the only player yet to have not dropped a set going into the day’s first match-up.

It was Zhang who took the early advantage, breaking the Serb in the opening game before holding for a 2-0 lead. But Ivanovic recovered quickly and began to settle into the groove. She took six straight games to take the first set after hitting ten winners and making very few errors for Zhang to capitalise on.

This trend continued into the second set as Ivanovic broke her opponent again to take a 2-0 lead after some more consistent first serves. Zhang was unable to find a way past, as Ivanovic held on to secure a 6-2, 6-2 victory and her fourth final of the year.

“I mean it would mean a lot for me to have  title on grass.” Ivanovic stated. “It’s been - not to mention my age - but ten years on tour and I have never won a title on grass. That would definitely be something special.”

A victory for Ivanovic on Sunday will move her up to 11 in the world rankings. 

Barbara Zahlavova Strycova through to final

Joining Ivanovic in the Aegon Classic final will be the world No.62 Barbara Zahlavova Strycova, who beat Casey Dellacqua, 7-6(5), 6-1.

Strycova was the lowest ranked player remaining in the tournament but has looked comfortable on the grass so far.

Just six minutes into the game play was stopped due to rain and the covers had to be thrown on. When they returned to the court, it was Strycova who benefited from the stoppage as the Czech took the initial break. But the Aussie came back to bring the set back on serve before the match was stopped due to rain once more.

After the second restart, the pair exchanged breaks again as the set went to a tie break. Strycova won the test of nerves as she held strong to take the opening set 7-6(5).

The Czech thrived from the tight affair as she took an early break in the following set. Dellacqua on the other hand was unable to find her rhythm on her serve and Strycova took advantage by going 3-0 up before seeing out a straight sets win.

Zahlavova Strycova commented after the match: "I can't believe it. It's great. It's something I never did before, and I am very pleased and overwhelmed that I could pull it through today.

Ahead of her match against the Aegon Classic top seed, the 28 year-old added: "My thoughts are Ana is a great player. Such a champion. She was No.1 in the world, and I expect it to be very challenging and I'm looking forward for this."

Raquel Kops-Jones & Abigail Spears to play Ash Barty & Casey Dallacqua in doubles final

In the first semi-final of the doubles at the Aegon Classic, No.3 seeds, Raquel Kops-Jones & Abigail Spears knocked out the top seeds, Cara Black & Sania Mirza.

They came from a set down to win 3-6, 6-3, 10-8 in a match that last an hour and 23 minutes and will move the duo up to fifth in the world rankings regardless of the result on Sunday. 

The final match of the day saw Casey Dallacqua on court for a second time with doubles partner Ash Barty. The duo fought past Caroline Garcia & Shuai Zhang 6-4, 6-2 to reach the doubles final where they meet Kops-Jones & Spears.