Makarova is the first unseeded Eastbourne champion since 2002

Russian qualifier Ekaterina Makarova beat Victoria Azarenka of Belarus 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to win her first career title at the Eastbourne International.

The 22-year-old, who did not lose a set in seven matches during the week, is the first qualifier to win the title.

World number 15 Azarenka appeared to be struggling with a knee injury and the 20-year-old called for her coach while leading 2-1 in the second set.

Makarova broke her serve to level at 2-2 and went on to seal victory.

"I cannot understand yet that I won," said Makarova, the world number 100 who was playing in her third career final.

It's my problem, I'll keep it to myself. I still have to treat it and I don't want to put it out there. It's not a big thing Victoria Azarenka on her injury

"I'm a bit in shock, especially that I didn't lose a set. This is just unbelievable to me. I cannot believe that I did it.

"There was no secret to the success. I just have a great coach. I also like the grass and I enjoyed the tennis here."

Makarova, who had not won back-to-back main draw matches this year prior to Eastbourne, is the first unseeded champion at the tournament since Chanda Rubin in 2002.

Azarenka, meanwhile, refused to confirm what her injury was.

606: DEBATE Can Makarova cause an upset at Wimbledon?

"It's my problem, I'll keep it to myself," she said. "I still have to treat it and I don't want to put it out there. It's not a big thing."

Eighth seed Michael Llodra of France beat Spain's Guillermo Garcia-Lopez 7-5 6-2 to win the men's title.

Llodra has been working with compatriot Amelie Mauresmo during the grass-court season, and he paid tribute to the influence of the former Wimbledon champion.

He said: "For the past two weeks we've discussed a lot about my game. She's been a great help and she's helped me to prepare for my matches so that I feel more comfortable when I go out on the court."

E-mail this to a friend

Printable version