Maja Chwalinska capped a remarkable week at the Wuhan Open on Sunday, rallying from a set down to defeat Sonay Kartal, 2-6, 6-4, 6-2, and claim her maiden WTA title.
In a battle of first-time WTA 1000 finalists, the 22nd-ranked Pole showed grit and determination to overcome a sluggish start and finish the tournament on a high note.
It was a breakthrough of extraordinary proportions for Chwalinska, who had never advanced beyond the round of 32 at a WTA 1000 event before arriving in Wuhan. Making just her fourth career appearance at this level, the surprise Roland Garros runner-up will now rise to a career-high No.11 in Monday’s WTA rankings.
Kartal, ranked No.170 and the lowest-ranked WTA 1000 finalist since the format’s inception in 2009, dominated the opening set, breaking Chwalinska’s serve three times to seize the early advantage.
But the Brit appeared to be struggling physically and called for the trainer after the first set. Though she continued to battle courageously, Chwalinska gradually took control, leveling the match before pulling away in the decider.
The left-handed Pole saved all three break points she faced in the final set and broke Kartal twice to complete her comeback victory.
The historic final featured two players ranked outside the Top 20 for the first time in Wuhan history, with both women making their tournament debuts and becoming the first players from their respective countries to reach the championship match.
Chwalinska, who became just the second qualifier in the Open Era to reach a Grand Slam final at Roland Garros earlier this year, joins Naomi Osaka, Bianca Andreescu and Victoria Mboko as the only women to win their maiden WTA singles title at a WTA 1000 event since 2009.
She also becomes the third Polish woman to reach a WTA 1000 final, following Agnieszka Radwanska and Iga Swiatek, and will make her Top 20 debut in emphatic fashion.
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