WUHAN, China — French Open runner-up Maja Chwalinska of Poland clinched the first title of her career in her breakthrough year, beating unseeded British player Sonay Kartal 2-6, 6-4, 6-2 to win the Wuhan Open on Sunday.
In a grueling contest lasting 2 hours, 43 minutes, the 16th-seeded Chwalinska gained the momentum when she broke for a 4-3 lead in the second set.
Kartal had more winners (32-23) but made more unforced errors (36-27), in a match featuring no aces on Dongfeng Voyah center court.
People were interested in these podcasts
Both players were appearing in their first career WTA 1000 final and Chwalinska’s victory will move her up to 11th in the rankings, the WTA said.
Chwalinska beat six-time major winner and Polish compatriot Iga Swiatek in the semifinals and, along with 1,000 ranking points, earns $665,000 in prize money. During her run to the French Open final as a qualifier, Chwalinska did not have enough money to extend her hotel stay in Paris and needed some financial help.
Kartal, who beat 2017 French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko in the semifinals, will break into the Top 40 after entering the Wuhan tournament ranked No. 170.
It was a remarkable week for the 24-year-old Kartal, who missed more than six months with a stress fracture in her back earlier this year.
Please read our comment policy before commenting.