Russian Dmitry Tursunov became the first men's champion at the Eastbourne International with a 6-3, 7-6 win over Canadian qualifier Frank Dancevic on Saturday but suffered an ankle injury that could dent his Wimbledon hopes.
The second-seeded Tursunov underwent surgery to remove bone spurs on his ankle six weeks ago but said Saturday's injury, which was treated by the trainer on court near the end of the final, was something new.
"It is a completely different thing, it feels more like a tendon," Tursunov, who has been seeded 25th for next week's Wimbledon and reached the third round last year, told reporters.
Asked if the injury would prevent him playing at the All England Club, Tursunov said: "I am definitely going to try to come out, unless I am going to be on crutches." He added, laughing: "Even then I will try to come out."
Dancevic, ranked 126 in the world, had beaten top seed Igor Andreev of Russia in the first round and proved a tough opponent for Tursunov on the Devonshire Park grass.
A single break settled the first set and only one game in the second set offered any break points after Dancevic hit two double faults, though he then managed to hold serve.
Tursunov had his ankle taped before the tiebreak and gave away one matchpoint when Dancevic pushed him into a forehand error after a long rally, but the Russian took victory on his second matchpoint with a winning return.
Eastbourne has held a women's pre-Wimbledon tournament since 1974 but this is the first time the seaside venue has also hosted a men's event.
