Harriet Dart came through qualifying to lift the Guangzhou Open, the first WTA singles crown of her career, and calls it an incredible week.
Harriet Dart has her first WTA Tour singles title. The Briton won the Guangzhou Open after starting her week in the qualifying rounds, a long way from the trophy ceremony she ended up at.
Qualifiers face extra matches before the main draw even begins, so winning a tour-level event from that position is one of the toughest routes in the sport. Dart handled it, stacking up wins and building momentum until she was the last player standing.
Afterwards, Dart described the run as an incredible week. For a player who has spent years grinding on the tour, the first title is a landmark, and it should give her plenty of belief going forward.
The Guangzhou triumph is a reminder that tennis rewards persistence. Dart arrived as a qualifier and left as a champion, and she will carry that confidence into the rest of the season.
