“I know it is a tough time for you but you are a fighter”- Zhang Shuai ends Dayana Yastremska’s dream run with title triumph in Lyon
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Dayana Yastremska and Zhang Shuai
Zhang Shuai ended the fairytale run of Ukrainian tennis star Dayana Yastremska in the finals of the WTA Lyon Open 2022 to clinch her 3rd WTA title.
8th seed Shuai came back from a set down to eventually prevail over wildcard Yastremska in a hard-fought three-set encounter 3-6, 6-3, 6-4. The Chinese veteran hadn’t dropped a set en route to her finals but saw herself on the backfoot in the summit clash and made a remarkable comeback to win her first European hardcourt title.
Yastremska had come into this tournament just days after fleeing from Ukraine along with her sister, Ivanna, and took refuge in France. She even had to spend an agonizing two days in an underground shelter before she fled her hometown, The 21-year-old took a courageous stand to compete in Lyon despite going through such an extreme ordeal.
“I’ve been fighting all week, not only for myself but also for my country“- Dayana Yastremska
Shuai was thrilled about winning her first title since 2017 and commended Yastremska for putting on a brave front amid such tough situations and heaped praise on the Ukrainian youngster for improving in leaps and bounds in just a few years.
“An incredible week, very high-quality match in the final. I saw [Yastremska] grow up over the last three or four years, she’s already won many tournaments. She plays so well, very powerful, so I was really focused on myself today. I’m really proud of winning,” Zhang said.
“Congratulation to Dayana and her team, I know it is a big tough time for you, but I know you are a fighter. In the last 3 years you grew up so quick, you played unbelievable tennis. You are the best and you will win a lot of tournaments,” she added.
Yastremska made a spirited run to the finals, en route to it she toppled 2 of the top 5 seeds. She was draped in the Ukrainian flag during the on-court interview and was emotionally overwhelmed given the circumstances. Yastremska then stated she would donate her prize money to aid support in her war-torn country.
“Thanks to the public for the support. I’ve been fighting all week, not only for myself but also for my country. Everybody was supporting me a lot. I felt so much power from the people here. The prize money I earned here, I’m gonna give to the Ukrainian foundation to support Ukraine. And If Ukrainian people are watching, I wanna say you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit. I tried to fight for Ukraine,” Yastremska said.
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(360 Articles Published)