ATP / WTA: Cilic back in the winner's circle, historic Shang shines

Cilic's champion instincts return

Hampered by knee issues and subsequent surgeries, the past couple of seasons have been tortuous for Marin CIlic.

Well, the former world No.3 is well and truly back, capturing his 21st title by overcoming Chinese superstar Zhang Zhizhen 7-6(5), 7-6(5) on Tuesday in Hangzhou.

The 35-year-old saved two match points in his quarter-finals clash with Yasutaka Uchiyama en route to lifting a trophy for the first time since 2021.

"Thank you to my family, my boys, my wife. Everyone who has been with me in this difficult period," said world No.777 Cilic during the trophy ceremony, the lowest-ranked champion in ATP history.

"Working with me day by day, pushing me and giving me strength and spirit. I am so happy and proud to make this victory not only for me but for them too."

Teenage sensation Shang strikes on home soil

Across to Chengdu and Chinese fans were celebrating an historic title triumph for 19-year-old Shang Juncheng.

The NextGen teenager dazzled all week with victories over No.2 seed Alexander Bublik, No.8 seed Roman Safiullin and Kei Nishikori. In his maiden ATP final, Shang demonstrated his explosive shotmaking in a 7-6(4), 6-1 scoreboard over top seed Lorenzo Musetti.

Shang, the first player born in 2005 or later to lift an ATP trophy, is just the second Chinese man ever to win an ATP singles title.

"It's really, really special for me," said Shang. "Especially to do it at home. It’s been tough matches this week. I’ve played really good tennis, kept calm, and overall I’m just very happy."

Haddad Maia hits four

Over to South Korea and No.3 seed Beatriz Haddad Maia battled from a set and a break down to navigate past top seed Daria Kasatkina in the Seoul silverware showdown.

The 1-6. 6-4, 6-1 scoreline landed the Brazilian her fourth title to cap a stunning recent run. Haddad Maia has now won 12 of her past 14 matches, built on a runner-up spot in Cleveland, US Open quarter-finals and then trophy lift in South Korea.

As a result of winning a first title since the 2023 WTA Elite Trophy last October, the 28-year-old moves up to a career-high ranking of world No.12.

"I'm happy with my job," declared Haddad Maia. "I knew that I was working very hard during the last weeks, last months.

"I feel stronger, I feel that I'm very competitive now. I'm in a good moment, ready for the next week. I feel that I'm doing very good things, working hard, and let's see what the end of the season brings to me."

Rebecca Sramkova has also surged up to a career-high ranking following silverware success on Sunday.

The Slovakian defeated Laura Siegemund 6-4, 6-4 in the Thailand Open, launching 41 places up to No.61 courtesy of a maiden WTA title.

"I would like to dedicate this trophy to my grandpa, who is healing from cancer," said Sramkov. "I would like to give it to him."

Battles in Beijing

Defending champion and world No.1 Iga Swiatek has decided against a trip to WTA 1000 Beijing, whilst injuries have curtailed Elena Rybakina's campaign. Over to US Open champion Aryna Sabalenka and Jessica Pegula to lead to field.

Over on the ATP ranks, world No.1 Jannik Sinner rounded off his major season with a second Grand Slam title at the US Open. Now the Italian seeks a title defence in Beijing with a certain Carlos Alcaraz in the field too. The Tokyo tournament is also beginning in Japan with Taylor Fritz acting as the top seed.