Charaeva captures breakthrough WTA 125 title in Midland

Fifth-seeded Alina Charaeva claimed the biggest title of her career on Sunday evening, defeating China’s Hanyu Guo 6-4, 7-6(4) to win the Dow Tennis Classic. The victory in Midland, Michigan, marks a significant milestone for the 23-year-old Russian, who navigated a treacherous draw to secure her maiden WTA 125 trophy.

The final was a showcase of Charaeva’s baseline consistency and mental fortitude. After securing the opening set, Charaeva found herself embroiled in a physical second-set battle against the resilient Guo.

The Chinese world No. 186, who had survived a three-hour marathon in the semifinals, pushed the set to a tiebreak, but Charaeva’s superior serving in the clutch moments allowed her to close out the match in straight sets.

Charaeva’s path to the championship was defined by a stunning semifinal comeback against second seed Darja Vidmanova, where she rallied for a 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 victory. Her clinical form throughout the week also saw her dismiss Nao Hibino and Xiaodi You without dropping a set. Guo’s run was equally impressive, highlighted by gritty upset wins over third-seeded Elvina Kalieva and eighth seed Mary Stoiana.

With this triumph, Charaeva is projected to rise toward her career-high ranking, establishing herself as a rising threat on the indoor hard-court circuit.