Bogdanovic takes title

Alex Bogdanovic banks £5,000 for his win

Alex Bogdanovic won his first Hastings Direct National Tennis Championships title with a comprehensive victory over Jamie Delgado.

The Belgrade-born 18-year-old recovered from 4-2 down in the first set to triumph 7-5 6-2.

"We were both very nervous to start off with and I couldn't find any rhythm," said Bogdanovic after the men's final in Bolton.

I hope I can now start getting on a roll and improve my ranking

Alex Bogdanovic

"But I was very pleased with the way I approached the match mentally.

"I played the big points well and wasn't as tight as the match progressed."

Photo gallery: Bogdanovic bags title

Even so Bogdanovic, last year's losing finalist, knows he has much to prove if he is to make an impact in world tennis.

"I've still got a long way to go. It's now time for me to move on, start growing up and making my own decisions," he said.

Errors

"I hope I can now start getting on a roll and improve my ranking - because that dictates what level you are at."

Davis Cup team member Delgado, 25, admitted he had made too many errors against the powerful left-hander.

"I started better than I did in my other matches," said the third seed. "But I just got worse, so it was disappointing to lose.

"I was disappointed with myself because I made too many mistakes.

It's been a while since I've played at my best, but I know there's better in me.

"I was well on top early on, but when he broke me he took heart and came back very well. He's a good player."

Women's final

Anne Keothavong won the women's final by beating Julie Pullin, champion in 1996 and 1998.

Keothavong raced in to a 5-0 lead in the first and duly took control to win 6-1, 6-3.

"I'm happy with the way I played," said Keothavong.

"I did what I had to do and I fell like I'm a different player this year. I've grown up as a player and as a person.

"I'm clearer about what I want to do and where I want to go with my life. I've worked hard and it's paid off.

"This week I've managed to play my own game and take control of each match."