Maja Chwalinska claimed her first WTA Tour title on Sunday after recovering from a slow start to defeat Sonay Kartal 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the Wuhan Open final.
The Polish left-hander overcame early nerves to turn the match around, using changes of direction, defensive lobs and well-placed winners to disrupt Kartal’s rhythm.
Britain’s Kartal, ranked 170th in the world, dominated the opening set with powerful forehands. Chwalinska struggled to keep her drop shots and slices inside the court, allowing her opponent to take an early lead.
However, the French Open finalist responded strongly in the second set. Fresh from defeating her childhood friend Iga Swiatek, Chwalinska dragged Kartal into longer rallies and secured three breaks to level the match.
Kartal then struggled under pressure in the deciding set, sending several returns into the net and making 11 unforced errors. Chwalinska took advantage, winning four consecutive games to seal the victory.
“That was one heck of a battle,” Kartal said after the match.
The British player returned to competition last month following a six-month injury lay-off and is expected to break into the world’s top 50.
Chwalinska, 25, made history in June by becoming the first qualifier to reach the French Open final. Her Wuhan Open triumph marks another major milestone in what has become the best season of her career.
She began the year ranked 146th in the world but is now expected to climb to a career-high 11th in the WTA rankings.
The Polish player credited her coaches and the people around her for helping her achieve the success.
“I am very grateful for every person in my life, basically,” she said.
