Slovakian prospect Rybarikova upsets Li for first career title

BIRMINGHAM, England (AP) — Magdalena Rybarikova won her first WTA Tour title Sunday after upsetting the fourth-seeded Li Na of China 6-0, 7-6 (2) in the final of the Aegon Classic.

The 20-year-old Slovak used her strong serve and good topspin shots to dominate the first set, but had to save two set points in the second to reach the tiebreaker.

The 13th-seeded Rybarikova also beat top-seeded Zheng Jie in the third round.

"It's a great feeling, it's definitely the best moment of my career," Rybarikova said. "I was nervous, yes, but not in the first set. I was okay to start with, and then in the second set I got very nervous. But now it's absolutely great. It's a dream."

Li beat Maria Sharapova in Saturday's semifinals with one of her best career performances, but struggled with unforced errors against Rybarikova. She joked that the previous win was the reason for her shaky final.

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"It was the first time I had beaten Sharapova," Li said. "I was so excited last night. I think I must have forgotten I had a match today."

Li had a set point at 5-4 on Rybarikova's serve, but put a simple forehand into the net. She had a second chance two points later, but wasted that one as well.

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