Poland’s Magdalena Frech capped a dream week in Guadalajara on Sunday night, defeating Australian qualifier Olivia Gadecki, 7-6 (5), 6-4, to capture the first WTA title of her career.
And at a WTA 500 event, no less.
The 26-year-old Frech becomes the fourth Polish woman to capture a tour-level title this century, after Agnieszka Radwanska (20), Magda Linette (three) and Iga Swiatek (22).
Frech, the No. 5 seed in Guadalajara, pulled off her biggest win of the week in the semifinals on Saturday, upsetting the No. 4 seed, Caroline Garcia, in a tight two-setter, 7-6 (4), 7-5.
But her final opponent was just as tough—even though Gadecki was a No. 152-ranked qualifier into the draw this week, she had taken out No. 2 seed Danielle Collins en route to the title match, as well as former US Open champion Sloane Stephens.
