Eighth seed Yuan Yue downed sixth-seeded Wang Xiyu 6-4, 7-6(4) to win her first WTA title in the all-Chinese final at the ATX Open in Austin, Texas of the United States on Sunday.

Yuan Yue of China hits a return during the women's singles first round match against Jaimee Fourlis of Australia at the 2022 US Open tennis championships in New York, the United States, Aug. 30, 2022. (Xinhua/Liu Jie)

Yuan, the world No. 68, spent two hours and 13 minutes and managed seven match points, to defeat the 64th-ranked Wang, who came from 5-2 down to pounce back a tie-break in the second set.

"I did wish to win the match earlier, but it's common for players to feel nervous. So, when I missed those chances, I tried to forgive myself and stay focused on the following scores," said the 25-year-old champion.

With the victory, Yuan became the 15th player from the Chinese mainland to grab a WTA title.

The match has also witnessed the first all-Chinese final outside Asia since Zheng Jie overtook Li Na in the 2006 Estoril championship.

"I really enjoy the match with my compatriot here, I would also like to congratulate her. Wang played well and rendered me into a hard battle, stirring my state fully," Yuan said.

Prior to the ATX Open, Yuan had only reached a WTA Tour final once, but lost to American player Jessica Pegula in Seoul in October 2023.

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