In the meantime, Pliskova went on to her first major final and become World No.1, and arrives in Eastbourne having won one of the biggest titles of her career at the Internazionali BNL d’Italia. On grass, she lost a tough three-setter to twin sister Kristyna, but rebounded well against Gasparyan on Monday, breaking the Russian in her opening service game and holding on with ease to take the opening set.

The second set saw the Czech powerhouse race out to a 5-2 lead, only for Gasparyan to earn her first break points as Pliskova served for the match. Though the Russian broke back, Pliskova soon earned match point, converting her second as Gasparyan missed a forehand long.