Rain delays and retirements pave way for unexpected Eastbourne final

American Madison Keys and Germany's Tatjana Maria are set to contest the Eastbourne final after their respective opponents retired during the semi-finals. The matches were affected by rain delays and unexpected withdrawals. Maria, the 38-year-old veteran, made history by becoming the oldest finalist in the Eastbourne WTA event's history. She advanced after Jelena Ostapenko retired mid-match, citing illness.

Keys, the second seed, also progressed due to an opponent's retirement. Petra Marcinko, the 20-year-old Croatian, withdrew from their semi-final due to an abdominal injury after Keys had comfortably won the first set. Maria expressed mixed feelings about reaching the final through retirements but was pleased with her performance throughout the week. Keys also wished her young opponent a speedy recovery and acknowledged her potential.