BIRMINGHAM, UK - Magdalena Rybarikova has said she is 'finding her game' in Birmingham after beating third seed Karolina Pliskova 6-2, 6-3 to advance to the last 16 of the Nature Valley Classic.

The 29-year-old, who was disappointed to be knocked out in the second round of the Nature Valley Open by Mona Barthel last week, is now hopeful she can really make waves during the grass-court season.

"I really love playing on grass," she said. "I am finding my game again after Nottingham - I am happy with the win and how I am playing."

Rybarikova at Wimbledon in 2017 during her best Grand Slam performance, reaching the semi-final, and losing to eventual winner Garbiñe Muguruza (Getty)

Rybarikova attributes her slow start in Nottingham to an extended clay season that saw her reach the third round at Roland Garros.

"I was really disappointed in Nottingham because I was playing more of a clay style - maybe it was too early coming here after Roland Garros.

"But now I am very pleased with how I am playing and I hope I can continue playing like that during the grass season."

Rybarikova will face Kristina Mladenovic in the Birmingham Round of 16 - and will be hoping to gain momentum before moving on to Wimbledon and potentially improve on her semifinal appearance there last year.