Sixteen year old qualifier Kristina Liutova won her first WTA Tour level title on Sunday. She defeated Darja Vidmanova 1-6, 6-1, 6-3 in the final of the Memphis Classic.
Liutova dropped the opening set. She then took the next two sets to complete the victory. The match lasted about two hours on the hard courts.
Liutova entered the tournament through qualifying. Ranked No. 229, she advanced through the main draw to reach the championship match. Vidmanova also reached her first tour level final.
The Memphis Classic is a WTA 250 event. Both players were competing for their first title at this level. Liutova becomes the first player born in the 2010s to win a WTA singles title.
Liutova’s path included wins in qualifying and the main draw. She faced higher ranked opponents during the week. In the final she recovered after losing the first set 6-1.
Vidmanova started strongly and took the opening set. Liutova responded by winning the second set 6-1. She closed out the third set 6-3.
The win marks Liutova’s first appearance in a WTA main draw event that ended with a title. She moved up in the rankings with the result.
The tournament took place in Memphis. Liutova thanked supporters after the match. Vidmanova competed as a fellow first time finalist.