Lanlana Tararudee Stuns Bianca Andreescu to Become First Thai Woman in Top 100 Lanlana Tararudee claimed victory in the Austin WTA 125 final on Saturday, defeating former US Open champion Bianca Andreescu in three sets (6-3, 3-6, 6-3) to secure her first career title. The 21-year-old Thai player, ranked No. 124 entering the tournament, became the first Thai woman to break into the world’s top 100 since Luksika Kumkhum. The match, which lasted one hour and 55 minutes, marked a historic moment for Southeast Asian tennis. Tararudee’s journey to the final was marked by consistency and determination. She advanced through qualifying without dropping a single serve, defeating Dalma Galfi, Caty McNally, and Anastasia Zakharova. In the semifinals, she overcame Kimberly Birrell in a three-set battle (6-4, 7-6(4)), showcasing her ability to handle pressure. By the time she reached the final, she had the demeanor of a seasoned competitor. Andreescu, a 25-year-old Canadian, had her own challenges. After a grueling week that included three consecutive three-set matches, including a semifinal victory over Paula Badosa, she faced a final that would test her resilience. Though she fought back to level the match at one set apiece, Tararudee’s composure in the deciding set proved decisive. The Thai player broke Andreescu twice as the Canadian’s legs showed signs of fatigue, ultimately sealing the win with the same calmness that defined her performance throughout the tournament. The victory solidified Tararudee’s place in the top 100, a milestone that highlights her growth as a player. Her game is characterized by consistency, tactical versatility, and mental toughness.#thailand #canada #bianca_andreescu #lanlana_tararudee #austin_wta_125
Former Grand Slam Champion Reaches Biggest Final in Two Years After Beating Paula Badosa Bianca Andreescu advanced to the final of the WTA 125 event in Austin after defeating Paula Badosa in a three-set semifinal, 6-2, 3-6, 6-3. The 2019 US Open champion, who had struggled in her early exit at the Indian Wells tournament, used the trip to Austin to rebuild her momentum. Her victory over Badosa marked her third three-set win of the week and secured her place in the final, which would be her most significant since June 2024. Andreescu’s path to the final included a series of hard-fought matches. She defeated Emerson Jones in the quarterfinals, 6-4, 3-6, 6-3, followed by a second-round win over Renata Zarazua, 6-3, 7-5, and a first-round triumph against Solana Sierra, 6-3, 2-6, 6-3. The semifinal victory over Badosa was a crucial step in her journey, as she had not reached a final above the ITF level since her loss to Liudmila Samsonova in the Rosmalen Open in June 2024. The final will pit Andreescu against Thailand’s Lanlana Tararudee, a 21-year-old rising star in Asian tennis. Tararudee, who reached the first round of the 2026 Australian Open, has yet to claim a WTA Challenger title but is considered one of the top prospects in her region. Despite her inexperience, Tararudee will be determined to secure her first major title. Andreescu, meanwhile, brings a wealth of experience to the match, having previously reached Grand Slam finals and WTA 1000 events. Andreescu’s performance in Austin has already had a tangible impact on her rankings. She has re-entered the world’s top 150, and a final victory could propel her into the top 136, potentially qualifying her for WTA 1000 and Grand Slam main draws without needing a wild card.#wta_125 #austin #bianca_andreescu #paula_badosa #lanlana_tararudee
