Putintseva defeats Tomljanovic in the final in Birmingham

But while serving for the second set at 5-4 up, Tomljanovic stuttered, being broken by her opponent to drag proceedings into a tiebreak.

Despite coming back from 4-1 down in the opener and saving two championship points, Putintseva’s relentless power eventually told as she won her third WTA title on third match point .

“It’s never easy to lose in a final. We did everything we could today,” said Tomljanovic.

“Yulia you had a wonderful week. You only lost one set. Your first title on grass – congratulations and good luck at Wimbledon.

“You guys were amazing. Attendance at the event was always through the roof. When you haven’t played in a while, you really notice these things. We appreciate a lot as players.”

Putintseva then spoke of her delight at finding her feet on grass, having always been more of a clay court.

“It’s my first title on grass. I don’t know what I feel. It’s great and it’s confusing because I’ve always been good on clay. But now, all of a sudden, I’m good at weed. I’ll take that.”