Hantuchova captures Birmingham title

Jun 16, 2013 - 6:01 PM Birmingham, England (Sports Network) - Slovakian veteran Daniela Hantuchova beat Croat Donna Vekic in Sunday's final at the Aegon Classic, a grass-court Wimbledon tune-up.

Hantuchova defeated Vekic by a 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 margin at Edgbaston Priory Club.

The 30-year-old Hantuchova, who was the 2011 Birmingham runner-up to Sabine Lisicki, claimed her first title since last year in Pattaya City. She improved to 6-9 in finals.

"I'm always so happy coming back here year after year, and it feels great to finally get the title," Hantuchova said. "The first week on grass is always really demanding on the body, so I'm proud of how I made it through so many long matches throughout the week. And when I really needed to, I was tough mentally."

The 16-year-old Vekic was playing in her second WTA final, having lost in Uzbekistan last year. She was trying to become the youngest champion in the tournament's history.

Hantuchova took home $40,000 with the victory.