Harriet Dart reaches first WTA singles final at the Guangzhou Open
• 2 minute read
Britain’s Harriet Dart is into her first WTA singles final after coming back from a set down to beat home favourite Sun Xinran at the Guangzhou Open.
Dart was competing in just her second WTA singles semi-final, having previously reached the last four at the 2024 Transylvania Open. The British No.5 fought back from a set down for the second consecutive day, sealing a 5-7, 7-6(1), 6-0 victory after two hours and 25 minutes.
“I really found it tough out there,” she reflected. “It was a real rollercoaster and naturally, playing in this part of the competition, more nerves and feelings came out.
“I was really battling with myself today but I’m really proud of the second set and I was able to turn it around quickly.”
For Dart, the victory secures a place in her first WTA singles final, 11 years on from making her WTA debut at the Lexus Eastbourne Open.
While this marks her maiden singles final at Tour level, the 30-year-old is no stranger to success in doubles, having already lifted two WTA 250 titles in Nottingham and Prague this season alongside fellow Brit Maia Lumsden.
It has taken years of perseverance and determination for Dart to reach this milestone, with the Brit visibly emotional during her on-court interview afterwards.
“It’s been a really long journey. It’s been really hard, I’ve wanted it so much so badly, sometimes too much.
“To finally be here, to be in the final means the world. Thank you to my team for sticking by me, I really appreciate you guys.”
Dart will have to overcome fourth seed Lilli Tagger if she is to claim her maiden WTA singles title. Victory on Sunday would also secure her return to the world's top 100.
The result capped another hard-fought comeback for the Brit, with five of her six matches in Guangzhou now having gone the distance.
The world No.115 made a shaky start, surrendering an early break with a double fault to quickly find herself 3-0 behind. However, she responded impressively, reeling off a run of four consecutive games to move ahead 5-4 and earn the chance to serve out the set.
With the pressure mounting, Dart produced two more double faults and reigning US Open junior champion Sun made sure to capitalise, drawing level before breaking for a third time to snatch the opener.
Dart edged ahead twice in the second set, breaking the 16-year-old in the first and fifth games, but was unable to hold onto her advantage as Sun immediately broke back on both occasions.
Her determination was tested at 5-5, as Dart was forced to save three match points before securing a gutsy hold to eventually force a tie-break. With momentum in her favour, she rattled off seven out of eight points to take us to a decider.
With her opponent struggling physically and having received a medical time out, Dart kept her foot on the accelerator - cruising through the set without dropping a game and sealing victory as Sun returned a forehand into the net.
How to watch Harriet Dart in the Guangzhou Open final
You can watch Dart's WTA singles final at the Guangzhou Open live and exclusively on Sky Sports Tennis and NOW. Timings TBC.
