Monica Becerra, from Harpenden Lawn Tennis Club, has taken her first national title on any surface by winning the Over 50s Ladies Singles British Grass Court Championship.

This national closed event was held at Surbiton Lawn Tennis Club in Surrey, but due to rain the finals were moved from grass to artificial clay courts, requiring adaptability from the players.

Becerra was seeded number two at the tournament based on her ITF (International Tennis Federation) ranking of 43, and in the final played the top seed, Lianne Tapson, ranked a few places above her.

It was the first time the pair had met and the change of court surface, coupled with high winds, led to challenging conditions for both players.

Becerra emerged victorious in two sets, 6-3, 6-4.

The title win has capped a highly successful year for the Harpenden member, who was selected to play for Great Britain in the World Team Championship in Helsinki in June, where they finished in a creditable sixth position.

She said: “This has been an awesome tennis year for me and I am delighted with the results this year, some of which came in really difficult conditions.”