On Sunday afternoon at the Memphis Open, Kristina Liutova became the first player 16 or younger to win a WTA Title since Coco Gauff won Linz in 2015. The 229-ranked qualifier notched three Top 100 wins to reach the final and on Sunday in front of an enthusiastic final-day crowd she held her nerve and defeated Czechia’s Darja Vidmanova, the world No.114, 1-6, 6-1, 6-3. 

“Look where we got,” she told her mom during an emotional victory speech. “I love you a lot, we’ll do many more.” 

Liutova, who converted her fourth match point to complete her comeback from a set down, is the first WTA player to win a title on her tour-level debut since Maria Timofeeva won Budapest in 2023. 

She flew around the court with confidence, showing off dazzling footwork, great touch and finishing power off of both wings as she won 12 of the final 16 games and fought off a last-ditch surge from Vidmanova.

She also thanked her team, calling them the best ever team in the entire world. 

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“I’m so blessed to have this title,” she said.