China’s Wang Yafan has claimed her first WTA title at the age of 24 after stunning fifth seed Sofia Kenin 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, in the final of the Mexican Open.
Wang, who had never contested a singles final on the tour prior to this week, displayed her fighting spirit throughout the match. Recovering from a set and 0-2 down, to claim victory over the world No.35. In the decider Wang served to stay in the match at 4-5, before going on to break two games later on route to the victory.
“It’s my first time in Acapulco and I really liked it, it was a great week; this tournament is incredible and everything is very well organized,“ Wang told reporters afterwards.
“In the first set I had a lot of mistakes, then I just tried to put the ball in play and that worked. She plays well, it was a tough match, I tried to get my best game.”
Despite only ever winning three main draw matches at grand slam level, the Chinese player has demonstrated the talent she has. Earlier in the week she also fought from a set down to edge out Croatia’s Donna Vekic. Her other victories were over Beatriz Haddad Maia, who knocked out top seed Sloane Stephens, Monica Puig (via retirement) and Marie Bouzkova.
Fresh off her first title, Wang Yafan has a special message for all her fans! pic.twitter.com/CwYZF7zrt0
— wta (@WTA) March 3, 2019
As a result of her win, Wang is the first Asian player – male or female – to win the Mexican Open. She is coached on the tour by Argentina’s Alejandro Dulko. The brother of Gisela Dulko. She is also a strong doubles player and has been ranked as high as 49th with three titles to her name at present.
Wang will now make her debut in the world’s top 50 on Monday when the rankings are updated. 11 months after she broke into the top 100 for the first time. She will be the fourth Chinese player in the top 50 alongside Wang Qiang, Zheng Saisai and Zhang Shuai.
Li Na remains the highest ranked Chinese player of all time with a career best of number two.
