Feliciano Lopez defeated Gilles Simon in three sets to claim the men's singles title at the Aegon International at Devonshire Park, Eastbourne on Saturday.

The Spanish world No.39 beat the French world No.17 and second seed 7-6(2), 6-7(5), 6-0 in a match lasting almost three hours in very blustery conditions on the Centre Court.

The champion was asked how he feels to gain his first ATP title on a grass court and replied: "It's nice. It's great. It's my third title in my career.  It's a great feeling definitely, no? I think grass is my best surface, and to have at least one title on grass is very nice feeling.

"This match was really special, because it's great to be in the finals and it's an opportunity to win another ATP event. We have played a few times, I think, but then today in these conditions it's tough to get any feedback from the match, to be honest."

The first set was an even affair before the Spaniard dominated the tie-break, whilst the second set was equally close before Simon came from 1-4 down in the tie-break to take the match into a decider.

In the final set the games were closely fought despite the scoreline but it was the Spanish player, competing in his ninth ATP World Tour final who took control and won the match to claim his first ever grass court singles title.

The pair will face each other again in round one of the men's singles at The Championships, Wimbledon on Tuesday in London.

Doubles

Nadia Petrova and Katarina Srebotnik beat Monica Niculescu and Klara Zakopalova 6-3, 6-3 in the women's doubles final to round off the Aegon International action, joining men's doubles champions Alexander Peya and Bruno Soares in the winners' circle, the top seeds overcoming a spirited challenge from No.4-seeded British duo Colin Fleming and Jonathan Marray on Friday to take the title 3-6 6-3 10-8 on Court No.1.