World No.102 Dayana Yastremska has capped off a breakthrough week at the Hong Kong open by knocking out sixth seed Wang Qiang 6-2, 6-1, in the final.
The 18-year-old proved too strong against a lacklustre Wang, who scored wins over Elina Svitolina and Garbine Muguruza in the tournament on Saturday. Yastremska ensured that her rival wouldn’t continue her winning run with a clinical display. The Ukrainian produced a total of 33 winners compared to her opponents tally of seven. Furthermore, the teenager also saved eight out of the nine break points she faced.
“Yesterday, I felt very confident that I could win the title, but in the morning, I woke up and I felt a bit too nervous,” wtatennis.com quoted Yastremska telling reporters after the match. “I trusted myself that I can win, but I didn’t really get deep into those thoughts because I knew that when I go on court, I would forget about everything and just play point by point.”
Yastremska had previously never contested a WTA final prior to this week. She is a former world No.6 junior who reached the final of the 2016 Wimbledon girls championships. Since transitioning to the pro circuit, she has won three ITF titles prior to her triumph in Hong Kong.
“You’re a great player and it was wonderful to play you here.” She said in a tribute to her opponent. “I wish you all the best and we will play many more times in the future.”
Going into the match, it was Wang who was the heavy favourite to win given her recent success in Asia. The second half of the season has seen the Chinese player win the Guangzhou Open followed by reaching the semifinals at three other WTA events. Including Premier tournaments in Beijing and Wuhan. A performance that has lifted her to a current ranking high of 24th in the world.
“I think I’m a bit tired after the last two months, but she played really well.” Said Wang. “I played well all week and I enjoyed my time here. Hopefully, I can play better next time.”
Yastremska is set to break into the world’s top 70 for the first time when the rankings are updated on Monday.
