In just her second WTA main‑draw appearance, 16‑year‑old Sun Xinran turned a tight quarter‑final into a historic win by saving six set points.
Key points
- Sun Xinran saved six set points to defeat Claire Liu and reach the Guangzhou Open semifinal.
- The 16‑year‑old wild‑card was ranked No. 405, making the win a significant upset.
- The match lasted 2 hours 1 minute, ending 7‑5, 7‑6(2) in Sun’s favor.
Junior world No. 1 Sun Xinran continued her dream start on the professional tour at the Guangzhou Open, overcoming a formidable challenge to beat Claire Liu 7‑5, 7‑6(2). The 16‑year‑old entered the tournament as a wild‑card and was ranked No. 405 at the time of the match.
The quarter‑final stretched to two hours and one minute, with Sun fending off six set points in the second set before clinching the tiebreak 7‑2. Her resilience under pressure forced Liu to the brink, but the teenager held her nerve to seal the victory.
A breakthrough quarter‑final for the 16‑year‑old
The win propelled Sun into her first WTA semifinal, marking a rapid rise for a player still competing in junior events. It also underscored her ability to perform in high‑stakes moments, a quality rarely seen at her age on the tour.
Liu, a seasoned opponent, had taken a 5‑4 lead in the second set and later held three set points at 6‑5. Sun’s comeback, highlighted by aggressive baseline play and a strong serve, turned the tide and demonstrated why she is the current junior world No. 1.
Key moments: six saved set points
The result adds a notable milestone to Sun’s early career, suggesting she could become a regular contender on the WTA circuit. Observers will watch how she builds on this momentum in upcoming events.
Reader questions
Who is Sun Xinran?
Sun Xinran is the junior world No. 1 from China, a 16‑year‑old who entered the Guangzhou Open as a wild‑card and is ranked No. 405 on the WTA tour.
What was the final score of the match?
Sun Xinran defeated Claire Liu 7‑5, 7‑6(2) after saving six set points.
How long did the match last?
The quarter‑final lasted two hours and one minute.
Source: wtatennis.com
