Dutch tennis player Suzan Lamens faced an early exit from the WTA 1000 Masters tournament held in Beijing, China, after a straight-sets defeat to Emiliana Arango. The Colombian, who entered the tournament as a lucky loser, seized the opportunity following the withdrawal of wild card Yafan Wang, stepping into the main draw as a late replacement.
Arango, aged 24, capitalized on this chance, showcasing her determination and skills right from the outset. Breaking Lamens’ serve in the initial game, Arango displayed a tenacious spirit, indicating a fierce battle ahead. Despite a strong start from Lamens, where she swiftly reached a 40-0 lead, the momentum soon swung in favor of Arango. She broke Lamens twice more during a fluctuating first set, ultimately clinching it 6-3.
Throughout the match, Arango’s effective return game was evident, with a 50% success rate on both first and second serve returns. The second set began dominantly for Arango, who established a commanding 3-0 lead. Lamens attempted a comeback by narrowing the gap to 3-2, but Arango’s relentless pressure culminated in a decisive break that secured her victory.
Arango wrapped up the match in just 90 minutes with a 6-3, 6-3 win, an impressive feat considering her initial elimination in the qualifying rounds. Her next challenge will be against Chinese player Qinwen Zheng, a beloved contender on home soil. This unexpected triumph highlights Arango’s resilience and ability to capitalize on unforeseen chances in the tournament.