Teenage tennis prodigy Lilli Tagger has created headlines by storming into her first-ever WTA Tour final at just 17 years old. The Austrian’s incredible run at the Jiangxi Open 2025 comes after receiving high praise from World No. 2 Jannik Sinner, who had earlier called her a “very talented player.”
Tagger entered the tournament as a wild card but showed remarkable composure throughout the week, securing victories over Tamara Korpatsch, Elisabetta Cocciaretto, and Zhu Chenting to reach the championship match.
A Remarkable Fightback to Reach the Final
In her semifinal clash, Tagger faced a near-impossible task after falling behind 5–2 in the deciding set. Displaying tremendous grit and maturity, the teenager saved three match points and then reeled off five consecutive games to clinch a thrilling victory and book her spot in the final.
“It’s quite tough to talk right now, I’m shaking!” said Tagger after the match. “It was a tough comeback, but I think I handled it very well.”
“She played an amazing match today, but especially at the end it was an amazing feeling,” she added. “I think if you would ask me if I would play a final here this week, 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.”
Youngest to Make History at Jiangxi
With this win, Tagger becomes only the third player under 18 to reach a WTA final in her debut event, joining Donna Vekic and Olga Danilovic in this rare achievement.
She will now compete against World No. 72 Anna Blinkova, who defeated Dominika Šalková in the other semifinal, setting up an exciting title clash between experience and youth.
Jannik Sinner’s Words of Praise
Before this breakout performance, Tagger had already caught the attention of Jannik Sinner, who has watched her progress closely in Italy, where both players train.
Speaking to Sport Krone, Sinner said: “[She] has a great team behind her with Schiavone as her coach. She also has a good mentality. She simply goes onto the court and plays. I am a big fan of hers.”
Sinner’s belief in her potential is now being validated, as Tagger’s fearless attitude and tactical maturity have quickly established her as one of the most promising young players on the WTA Tour.
As she prepares for the Jiangxi Open final, the teenager’s confidence, composure, and determination reflect the qualities that could make her the next big name in women’s tennis.
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