Reigning women’s world Real Tennis champion Claire Vigrass, 21, from Essex, underlined her dominance of the women’s game as she retained her Neptune British Open singles crown at Seacourt Club, Hampshire.
And in spectacular style, she dropped only two games throughout the event.
In the final she faced world number two Karen Hird, from High Wycombe, who put up a spirited fight but lacked her opponent’s weight of shot or reach and went down 6-1 6-1, amid a barrage of thumping volleys, forces and viciously cut groundstrokes.
Vigrass then partnered her sister Sarah, 24, to the doubles title, defeating Karen Hird and the US number one Frederika Adam in straight sets, avenging their shock defeat last year.
This was the final leg of Claire’s bid to win her first singles and doubles Grand Slam as she now holds all four majors: the British French, Australian and US singles and doubles crowns as well as both world titles.
“It was a great thrill to win both championships” said Claire, “and fun to partner Sarah as we understand each other’s games so well. I’ve been working very hard at my game so it was extremely satisfying to see it all falling into place when it really mattered.”
Lizzie Flint, Sportsister
The Women’s Sports Magazine
Photo credit: Jeremy Gilmore
