France’s Caroline Garcia became the first qualifier to win a WTA 1000 title with her 6-2 6-4 victory over Czech Republic’s Petra Kvitova at the Western & Southern Open.
The world No.35 Garcia upset three Top 10 players in Maria Sakkari, Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula to become the first qualifier to reach the Cincinnati final, before another superb performance against two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova. In the final, the former world No.4 Garcia served 11 aces and saved all eight break points she faced to win her third title in 2022, her previous two being Bad Homburg on grass and Warsaw on clay.
The 28-year-old Garcia owns a Tour-leading 27 main-draw victories since June and a total of 33 this year, behind only Iga Swiatek (50), Simona Halep (39) and Ons Jabeur (38). By contrast, the Frenchwoman posted only 21 victories across entire 2021 campaign.
Previously a prominent representative of Asics, Garcia wore a Yonex outfit (the 2022 Melbourne Tank and Skirt) and New Balance tennis shoes during her title run at the Western & Southern Open. There are no official announcements about her clothing sponsor change yet. (photos: Jimmie48)
