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After winning her career-first WTA title in Acapulco, Mexico, in 2019, 25-year-old Chinese tennis player Wang Yafan becomes China's9thfemale tennis player to ever claim the honor.
With that victory against the reigning Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin, Wang, for the first time, claimed her spot in the top 50 players of the women's WTA rankings.
At the 2019 U.S. Open, Wang won the first set 6-1 against Danish player, former world No. 1 Caroline Wozniacki. Even though she lost the match after losing the second and the third match 5-7, 3-6, Wang still demonstrated her capability to challenge top tennis players.
Wang Yafan returns a shot against Caroline Wozniacki during their Women's Singles first round match at the 2019 US Open at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center in New York City, August 27, 2019. /VCG
"When I play against them now, I feel both sides have a chance to win. It depends on our performance in that game," Wang said. "However, when I competed against them before, I felt a lot of pressure. I thought I could sense their strong air across the net."
The confidence didn't come easy. Wang came to Beijingto seek better training resources by herself at a young age. From then on, the arduous training became a staple in her life.
Wang in a game during the round of 16 against Astra Sharma of Australia at GNP Seguros Stadium in Monterrey, Mexico, March 4, 2020. /VCG
"I think practice and training can be arduous. But they made me feel that I am improving. They motivate me to achieve my goal step by step," she said.
After learning the cancellation of Indian Wells Open due to the coronavirus pandemic, Wang booked a flight to go back home where she now trains and keeps in shape.
Though she's not able to directly qualify for the Tokyo Olympics with her current ranking, Wang still believes there is a great chance for her to win the qualification. She said she will keep preparing herself and looks forward to representing China at the Tokyo Olympics next year.
