By Alberto Amalfi | Saturday, September 23, 2023

 

Wang Xiyu charged through eight straight games crushing top-seeded Magda Linette 6-0, 6-2 to win her first WTA title at the Guangzhou Open.

Photo credit: Kiyoshi Ota/Getty for ITF

Wang Xiyu staged a homecoming championship celebration.

World No. 88 Wang charged through eight straight games crushing top-seeded Magda Linette 6-0, 6-2 to win her maiden WTA title at the Guangzhou Open.

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The 22-year-old lefthander Wang is the fifth Chinese champion to rule Guangzhou after Wang Qiang (2018), Zhang Shuai (2013 and 2017), Yan Zi (2005) and Li Na (2004).

Hitting flat strikes in the corners, Wang converted her third break point to open the match with the break. Wang broke twice in succession to stretch her lead to 5-0 and served out the opening set at 30.

On championship point, Wang zapped a crosscourt forehand then raised both fists in the air completing her dream run.



Wang served 73 percent, won 22 of 29 first-serve points and faced just one break point in a commanding 80-minute victory.

In five tournament wins, Wang dropped only one set. This title run will propel Wang to No. 58 in the live rankings.