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Shuai Zhang defeated Dayana Yastremska in the final to clinch the Lyon Open title. The Chinese player came from a set down, and a break down twice in the deciding set to win 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 in one hour and 46 minutes. Yastremska began the match from where she’d left off in the semi-final.
Her aggressive shot-making bore results as she raced away to a one-set lead in the match. When the second set began, the Ukrainian used the momentum she’d gained up to that point to go up a break in the first game itself.
However, it was then Zhang made the first of her numerous comebacks in the match eventually taking the second set and levelling the match. In the deciding set, Yastremska broke Zhang twice – on two separate occasions – but wasn’t able to hold on to her lead and Zhang held on long enough to serve out the match in the 10th game.
Lyon Open: Shuai Zhang makes it count in the French city
This was Zhang’s third career title and her first since she won the title in Guangzhou in 2017. Meanwhile, Yastremska’s hunt for a fourth title – and her first since 2019 – continued further Post lifting the Lyon Open title, Shuai Zhang spoke about the match’s qualitative appeal and also acknowledged Dayana Yastremska’s run through the week after having to run away from her home in Ukraine following Russia’s invasion in the country.
“An incredible week, very high-quality match in the final. I saw (Yastremska) grow up over the last three or four years, she’s already won many tournaments. She plays so well, very powerful, so I was really focused on myself today.
I’m really proud of winning”. Following the win, Zhang rose 23 places in the rankings, from the 64th to 41st place. Yastremska gained 37 places and rose from 140th place to 103rd place in the WTA rankings. Photo Credit: Shuai Zhang Twitter