FORT WORTH: France’s Caroline Garcia put on a serving masterclass to claim the biggest title of her career by defeating Aryna Sabalenka 7-6 (7-4), 6-4 to win the season-ending WTA Finals on Monday.

Garcia covered her face with her hands and fell on her back after a Sabalenka forehand sailed wide on match point to earn her fourth title of the year.

The 29-year-old from Lyon is only the second French player to win the WTA title after Amelie Mauresmo in 2005.

“It’s definitely a lot of giant happiness,” Garcia said after a win that will see her pocket $1.57 million in prize money and 1,375 rankings points.

“A crazy final, a lot of intensity on every point. Just really proud of the work we did throughout the year. It was a great match — I really went for it. I’m really happy to win my biggest title.”

Garcia was ranked outside the top 70 in mid-June but has since won four titles, made the semi-finals of the US Open and will now rise to a career-high number four.

“It’s super important to keep improving,” she said. “If you don’t move forward, you’re moving backwards. And that’s not something we want to do on this team.”

Sabalenka, who will rise to world number five, looked forward to more title deciders against Garcia.

“Caro, I really hate you right now but you played unbelievable tennis, not only tonight but this year,” Sabalenka said. “Congrats on the results and hopefully we’ll play many more finals.”

Published in Dawn, November 9th, 2022