Tennis is played with few things.

Two points from elimination in the group stage, Caroline Garcia finally won the WTA Masters by beating Aryna Sabalenka (7-6, 6-4) to afford the first major tournament of her career.

She succeeds Amélie Mauresmo, the only Frenchwoman to have lifted this trophy so far.

"We were lucky to have great champions in France in the past, I'm really proud to be part of it," she reacted moved to the press.

The Lyonnaise will end the season in 4th place in the world.

A ranking already reached in 2018, before four difficult years, between crisis of confidence, tennis in distress and recurring physical problems, which made him sink to 74th place at the end of last year.

Garcia solid as steel

“I would like to thank my team, but also share this trophy with all the people who have accompanied me all these years.

I only keep positive things from these experiences which made me a better player and a better person”, she had initially reacted.



Faced with Sabalenka, who was also hoping to win an 11th title at 24, after her sizeable performance in the semi-finals at the expense of world number 1 Iga Swiatek, Garcia was disarmingly solid, especially in service, not leaving not the slightest opportunity to break her rival.

Sabalenka bows to Garcia's 'incredible tennis'

A battle rarely exceeding four shots per rally ensued, with both players maintaining their engagement with authority.

The decision was made during the decisive game: if the Frenchwoman continued to excel in service (68% of first serves passed) with a 10th ace, Sabalenka ended up cracking on hers by committing two double faults, including the one that offered the round to her rival.

“I went down in two key moments, that's all.

Defeat is very hard to take.

But I tried my best and she played amazing tennis,” commented Sabalenka.

Winning with few opportunities, the hallmark of great champions.

What is (re) becoming Caroline Garcia?

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  • Amelie Mauresmo