Caroline Garcia breaks her title drought with Tianjin Open trophy

Caroline Garcia lifted her first title of the 2018 season with a solid win over Karolina Pliskova in the Tianjin Open final.
Having won back-to-back titles in China at the backend of the 2017 season, world No 16 Garcia again showed her love for the local conditions with a 7-6 (9-7), 6-3 win in one hour and 43 minutes.
“It’s very nice for me to win a title again, because the emotion and the feeling after the match point is something very special and very difficult to describe,” Garcia said.
“That’s what you’re working on all year long to get, this trophy in your hand and those emotions.”
She added: “Of course, I’ve won three titles in China so it’s bringing me luck. It’s really nice, China is doing a lot for women’s tennis.”
After no breaks of serve, the Frenchwoman took the opening set via the tie-breaker and then raced into a 5-0 lead in the second on the back of two breaks.
Although the top-seeded Pliskova managed to get one break back, Garcia wrapped up the win on her first match point.
The title, though, was not enough to help her to secure a place in the WTA Finals in Singapore while Pliskova is still in with a chance of claiming one of the three remaining spots.
More from Tennis365:
Andy Murray reveals his other passion: helping the stars of the future
How tennis changed from white to yellow tennis balls thanks to David Attenborough
Roger Federer and Novak Djokovic cast doubt over Davis Cup participation
Tennis Today: David Attenborough’s contribution to tennis, Roger Federer’s message of support
Latest
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray not making long-term predictions, but insists ‘if physically I feel good, then I’ll keep playing’
Andy Murray vows to keep going if his body holds up.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon TV channels, streaming info: How to watch Rafael Nadal, Iga Swiatek, Coco Gauff on Thursday
Your Wimbledon TV, streaming, order of play guide.
-
Wimbledon
Wimbledon day four: British favourites fall but Cameron Norrie keeps home flag flying
Cameron Norrie ensured at least one Briton would reach the third round.
-
Wimbledon
Andy Murray will ask how much more he can take after Wimbledon defeat
It was almost as if Andy Murray…
-
News
Cameron Norrie not trying to ‘make a name’ for himself at Wimbledon
The British number one won in five sets to make the third round at SW19 for a second consecutive year.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic offers support to family of Boris Becker
Novak Djokovic has hosted Becker’s family in his player’s box in both rounds of Wimbledon so far.
-
Tennis News
Novak Djokovic to make Laver Cup call after Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic is interested in taking part in the Laver Cup.
-
US Open
John McEnroe paints a grim picture for Novak Djokovic
John McEnroe sees a future where Novak Djokovic ends the year ranked outside the top 40.
-
Wimbledon
Emma Raducanu’s Wimbledon dream dies – but what comes next matters more
Raducanu may have failed to live up to ridiculous Wimbledon expectations, but it is far too early to write her off.
-
Wimbledon
Novak Djokovic blows past Thanasi Kokkinakis in straight sets
The reigning champion dropped just seven games on Centre Court.