Tennis: 18-year-old Tagger wins first title in Prague, becomes youngest Top 50 player

At just 18 years old, Lilli Tagger has captured her maiden WTA Tour championship, triumphing at the Prague Open with a dominant performance. The young Austrian showcased her formidable skills, including a powerful serve and a distinctive one-handed backhand, to defeat her higher-ranked opponent, Ukraine's Daria Snigur, in straight sets.

Tagger secured the title with a 7-6 (7-3), 6-2 victory in the final. This significant win not only marks her first WTA Tour trophy but also propels her into the coveted Top 50 of the world rankings. At her current standing, she becomes the youngest player to achieve this elite status in the professional tennis world.

The 185cm tall Tagger utilized her physical advantage throughout the match, firing nine aces. Her rare one-handed backhand proved to be a decisive weapon against Snigur, a player known for her aggressive style. The match lasted 1 hour and 30 minutes, culminating in an upset victory for the young talent.

Having transitioned to professional play after winning the French Open junior singles title in 2025, Tagger's success in Prague represents a significant step in her burgeoning career. The victory has instilled in her a newfound confidence, fueling her aspirations for future success on the tour.

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This is an unbelievable surprise.