Chennai Open | Fruhvirtova caps dream run with maiden title

17-year-old Linda Fruhvirtova claws back yet again, upstages Magda Linette 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 to win the WTA Chennai Open

Linda Fruhvirtova survived a searing examination of her growing reputation as the next big Czech tennis star with a fine come-from-behind 4-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory over Magda Linette to clinch the WTA Chennai Open at the SDAT Tennis Stadium on Sunday.

The triumph was the 17-year-old’s maiden Tour-level title as she became the youngest winner since Coco Gauff in 2021 (Parma) and the youngest Czech to do so since Nicole Vaidisova in 2006 (Strasbourg).

ALSO READ | ‘It’s a miracle’: Chennai tennis icon Vijay Amritraj on organising WTA 250 Chennai Open 2022

“I am pretty much in shock and don’t have the right words,” Fruhvirtova said on court, tearing up. “It’s unbelievable. Again, great atmosphere to play in and something I will always remember.”

It was Fruhvirtova’s second straight three-setter, and in the first set she seemed a step slower, having spent a good three hours more than Linette on court in this tournament.

Linette has a snappy feel to her game, a short backswing ending with a wristy flourish. She redirected Fruhvirtova’s pace expertly and her athletic ability meant she ran down practically every ball.

A break in the ninth game and a fine hold after that — a drop and two superb kick serves doing the job — helped the 30-year-old take the first set 6-4. But in the second, the Pole relaxed and her serve went up and down.