ATX Open: Yuan Yue beats Wang Xiyu in first all-Chinese final outside Asia in 18 years
- World No 68 Yuan beats compatriot at ATX Open in Austin to clinch her maiden WTA title
- It is the first all-Chinese decider outside the continent since Zheng Jie defeated Li Na in the 2006 Estoril championship match
Yuan Yue came out on top in a rare all-Chinese final to claim her first WTA title at the ATX Open in Texas.
Eighth seed Yuan was facing her compatriot Wang Xiyu, the sixth seed, in the women’s tour’s first tournament final to feature two Chinese players since Wang Qiang defeated Zheng Saisai to triumph at the Nanchang event in 2018.
Not only that, but the WTA 250 event’s decider was also the first all-Chinese final outside Asia since Zheng Jie saw off Li Na to clinch victory in the 2006 Estoril championship match.
The occasion produced a keenly fought battle at Austin’s Westwood Country Club that was shaded by Yuan as she prevailed 6-4, 7-6 on Sunday, local time.
It took Yuan two hours and 13 minutes to end Wang’s resistance, and she needed seven championship points before finally getting her hands on the silverware.
In her only previous WTA final, Yuan had lost to Jessica Pegula of the United States in Seoul last October. This time, however, she looked determined to ensure a different outcome.
But the world No 68 allowed Wang a 2-0 advantage before storming back to take the first set, denying 64th-ranked Wang on five of her six opportunities to break, while capitalising on both of her own. She clinched the set with a forehand winner.
The second set reversed that pattern, with Yuan racing to the brink of victory before Wang rallied from 5-2 down to force a tiebreak.
After Wang’s efforts in fighting back, Yuan proceeded to build a handsome lead in the tiebreak. She was 6-1 up before Wang summoned one last show of defiance, saving three match points before Yuan wrapped up victory with her next chance.
“I did wish to win the match earlier, but it’s [understandable] to feel nervous,” the 25-year-old told mainland Chinese media afterwards. “So when I missed those chances, I tried to forgive myself and stay focused on the following points.
After China’s Messi divorce, football counts cost of own-goal in Hong Kong
“I really enjoyed the match with my compatriot here. I would like to congratulate her. Wang played well and forced me into a hard battle.”
Yuan’s victory meant that she became the 15th player from mainland China to win a WTA title.
Additional reporting by Agence France-Presse
