Xinyu Wang Eyes First WTA Title Against Elina Svitolina in ASB Classic Final

China’s Xinyu Wang is set to compete for her first WTA Tour title on March 3, 2024, at the ASB Classic in Auckland. She reached the final after a grueling semifinal match against Alexandra Eala from the Philippines, winning an intense battle that lasted two hours and 48 minutes. Wang secured the victory with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-4, marking the longest match of the tournament thus far.

The seventh-seeded Wang, currently ranked No. 57 in the world, will face top seed Elina Svitolina in the final. Svitolina, who is ranked No. 13, advanced to the championship match following a quicker semifinal, defeating American third seed Iva Jovic in 1 hour and 34 minutes with a score of 7-6, 6-2. Svitolina, a finalist in this tournament two years ago, is regarded as the favorite.

Wang’s path to the final was anything but straightforward. She initially took a commanding lead against Eala, going up 5-1 in the first set. However, Eala mounted a stunning comeback, winning six consecutive games to take the first set. Wang, undeterred, rallied to win the second set and clinched the match after overcoming match point against her.

“It was a crazy battle from the start to the end, for sure,” Wang said after the match, expressing her relief and joy at reaching her first final. “She’s an absolute fighter, and to be honest, I feel more pressure when I’m 5-0 up than when we were 0-0. I’m just really happy that I got through this one today.”

Despite this being her second final appearance—her first was in Berlin in June 2023—Wang’s experience in high-pressure matches is limited. She will need to recover quickly from her physically demanding semifinal as temperatures in Auckland are expected to reach 29 degrees Celsius on the day of the final.

Wang demonstrated her power during the semifinal, serving 11 aces compared to Eala’s two. While she recorded 55 unforced errors to Eala’s 48, Wang’s 53 winners, particularly from her powerful forehand, played a crucial role in her victory.

As the final approaches, Svitolina’s consistent performance and experience may give her an edge. The Ukrainian player is known for her strong baseline game and resilience, having made a name for herself on the WTA Tour.

The anticipation builds as Wang prepares to challenge Svitolina, now with the momentum of her marathon victory behind her. Fans can expect a thrilling showdown as both players vie for the coveted ASB Classic title.