History maker Wu Yibing is the first Chinese player to win an ATP Tour title
- Planet Sport writer
- 13 February 2023
Wu Yibing rallied to defeat favourite John Isner in tense third-set tiebreak to claim the Dallas Open title, making tennis history in the process
Having a day earlier toppled top seed Taylor Fritz to become the first person from his nation to reach an ATP final in the Open era, Wu went one step further but only after saving four championship points.
The first was in the second set, where Wu rallied from 6-5 30/40 down on serve to force a decider and he held his nerve in a seesaw final few moments to triumph 6-74), 7-6(3), 7-6(12).
The first 22 points went with serve in the last set tie-break but home favourite Isner, who registered 44 aces, faltered at the last with a forehand long to end a contest spanning two hours and 59 minutes.
"I feel happy," quipped the Chinese native after the match, as per
atptour.com.
"It's not only about winning the title... it's more about me personally making history, also for the country. It's huge for the next generation. For me, I need to keep going, keep my body healthy and I'm sure there's more to come.
"I've been through a lot of things. I've been through injuries, I've been through many difficult situations when I was growing up. I think the reason why I'm relaxed now on the tennis court is because I trust myself. If you want to beat me, you have to work hard."
