Quick Read
- 17-year-old Lilli Tagger reached her first WTA final at the Jiangxi Open as a wild card.
- She defeated Viktorija Golubic in the semi-final after saving three match points.
- Tagger’s run has earned praise from World No. 2 Jannik Sinner.
- She is the third player under 18 to reach a WTA final on debut.
- Tagger will face Anna Blinkova in the final.
Lilli Tagger: From Wild Card to WTA Finalist—A Story Unfolds in Jiangxi
For most 17-year-olds, the idea of facing seasoned pros on the WTA Tour is a distant dream. For Lilli Tagger, it’s suddenly reality. This week, at the Jiangxi Open in Jiujiang, China, the Austrian teenager pulled off one of the most dramatic runs in recent memory, booking a spot in her first-ever WTA final—a feat that left even the sport’s elite taking notice.
Unlikely Beginnings: A Wild Card’s Journey
Tagger entered the tournament as a wild card, her ranking at No. 235 offering little hint of what was to come. Before Jiangxi, she had yet to notch a single tour-level win in 2025, holding an 0-2 record in professional events. The odds were, quite literally, stacked against her. According to USA TODAY Sportsbook Wire, betting markets pegged her as an underdog, and few expected her to make waves.
But Tagger wasn’t just chasing points—she was chasing a dream. Her path to the final was anything but smooth. After dispatching Tamara Korpatsch, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Zhu Chenting, Tagger faced Viktorija Golubic, a veteran ranked No. 53 in the world. Golubic had a 20-18 record for the year, far more experience and match play than Tagger. Yet, as the semi-final unfolded, it became clear that numbers alone don’t tell the whole story.
Defying the Odds: The Semi-Final Thriller
The semi-final clash between Tagger and Golubic was a test of nerve and resilience. Early on, it looked like the teenager’s Cinderella run would end. She found herself trailing 5-2 in the deciding set, with Golubic holding three match points. But Tagger’s response was nothing short of astonishing.
As the tension mounted, Tagger dug deep, rallying to save every match point. She strung together five consecutive games, swinging momentum in her favor and clinching victory in a fashion that felt almost cinematic. The final stats were telling: Tagger won 94 of 170 total points, converted 6 of 8 break points, and outperformed Golubic in both first and second serve points won (tennismajors.com). Her ability to win crucial points on her opponent’s serve—especially in the clutch—proved decisive.
After the match, Tagger was visibly emotional. “It’s quite tough to talk right now, I’m shaking!” she admitted. “It was a tough comeback, but I think I handled it very well.” Her words, raw and unfiltered, captured the gravity of the moment. Asked if she had imagined playing a final here, she confessed, “I would say no, it’s too early. I couldn’t think about it and standing here right now, it’s an amazing feeling and I can’t wait to play tomorrow.”
Praise from the Top: Jannik Sinner’s Endorsement
The tennis world is always searching for its next breakout star. Tagger’s run in Jiangxi has not gone unnoticed, especially by Jannik Sinner, World No. 2 and one of the sport’s rising icons. Sinner, speaking to Sport Krone, described Tagger as “very talented,” highlighting her positive mentality and strong team, led by coach Francesca Schiavone.
“She simply goes onto the court and plays. I am a big fan of hers,” Sinner remarked. Their paths have crossed in Italy, where Tagger now trains, and Sinner has seen firsthand the grit and talent that have propelled her onto the international stage.
Tagger’s achievement also places her in rare company. She is only the third player under 18 to reach a WTA final at her debut event, following Donna Vekic and Olga Danilovic. For a sport that often celebrates precocious talent, Tagger’s feat is a fresh reminder of how quickly fortunes can change.
Setting the Stage: The Final Awaits
With her win over Golubic, Tagger advances to face Anna Blinkova, World No. 72, in the final. Blinkova earned her spot by defeating Dominika Salkova. Both players will be seeking a defining moment in their careers, but for Tagger, the stakes feel even higher. Her run has already reshaped perceptions—of herself, her potential, and the unpredictable nature of tennis.
As Tagger prepares for the biggest match of her young career, the tennis community is watching closely. Her story is more than just statistics and odds—it’s about perseverance, self-belief, and the thrill of proving doubters wrong. Whether or not she lifts the trophy, Tagger’s Jiangxi journey has already become a beacon for young athletes everywhere.
Beyond the Scoreboard: What’s Next for Tagger?
Success at this level is never guaranteed, and Tagger’s rise comes with its own set of challenges. The transition from junior to pro tennis is notoriously difficult. Physical demands, mental pressure, and the relentless grind of the tour can test even the most gifted athletes. Yet Tagger’s resilience in Jiangxi—her ability to fight back when the situation seemed hopeless—suggests she has the tools to navigate these hurdles.
Her relationship with her coach, her training environment in Italy, and endorsements from top players like Sinner all point to a promising foundation. The key now will be to sustain this momentum, to balance ambition with patience, and to continue growing as both a player and a person.
Lilli Tagger’s run at the Jiangxi Open is a testament to tennis’s enduring unpredictability. Her journey from unheralded wild card to WTA finalist, overcoming match points and capturing the imagination of fans and pros alike, signals the arrival of a new contender—and perhaps, a future star. If she can harness the lessons of this breakthrough, Tagger’s name could soon be a fixture on the world stage.