Kamiji and Vink seal Lexus British Open Roehampton titles

By James Reid

Yui Kamiji was left beyond words after clinching her third women’s singles title at the LTA’s Lexus British Open Roehampton.

Kamiji beat Diede de Groot 7-5 6-3 to make it a hat-trick of British Open triumphs, and her first since 2017.

It was only her second win over De Groot since February 2021 and went at least some way to avenging her dramatic defeat to the Dutchwoman at this year’s Melbourne Open.

“It’s a little bit unbelievable, sorry that I’m speechless,” said Kamiji. “Thank you to Diede and your team for a great match.

“I think we both had a difficult week as it was our first tournament on grass this year. This one means a lot to win the title and beat Diede.

“She [De Groot] has so much power and such great movement so you have to keep on finding that extra edge.

“It was really difficult but I hope it’s not my best performance as I believe that I can improve but I’m still very happy.”

Kamiji was also in women’s doubles action alongside South African Kgothatso Montjane against Li Xiaohui and Zhu Zhuenzhen but rain called a halt to proceedings in the first set.

However, there was also victory for Niels Vink in the quad singles, as he beat compatriot Sam Schroder 6-1 6-1 to get his hands on the trophy for the third time.

The world No.2 retained his title with a comprehensive victory over world No.1 Schroder and the Dutchman was pleased with the way he battled past the damp conditions to seal the win.

“It was difficult at the start as we started a lot later because of the rain,” said Vink

“We had an extended warmup which always make it more difficult as you have to be focused from the start.

“I think I did that really well today, my level was good and my choices were good. I was enjoying myself and happy to win 6-1 6-1.

“I really like that it’s on grass. We’ve never had a lot of grass tournaments before and this is a perfect preparation for Wimbledon just down the road.

“I’ve always enjoyed playing on grass as its completely different to clay and hard court.

“Everything is different from the rallies to the pushing. We only get to play on grass for two weeks but I had a great preparation in Netherlands and I couldn’t have asked for a better preparation for Wimbledon.”

Victory in the men’s doubles went to top seeds Martin de la Puente and Joachim Gerard, as they bounced back from a set down to get past Dutch pair Tom Egberink and Maikel Scheffers 1-6 6-2 10-7 in just under an hour and a half.

The duo only began playing together at the start of the year but victory in Roehampton was already their fourth title.

For the latest action on the British summer grass court season, check out the LTA website