The 2024 Ningbo Open came to a thrilling conclusion on Oct 20, as Yuan Yue of China and her partner Demi Schurrs of the Netherlands clinched the doubles title, while Daria Kasatkina triumphed in the singles, marking the end of a spectacular tournament.
In the doubles final, Yuan and Schurrs delivered a commanding performance, defeating the top-seeded pair of Nicole Melichar-Martinez and Ellen Perez Merichar in straight sets of 6-3, 6-3, marking their first triumph as a pair, with Yuan securing her first-ever tour doubles title and Schurrs receiving her 19th WTA doubles crown.
Expressing her elation after the win, Schurrs emphasized the seamless synergy between her and Yuan on the court, describing their collaboration as a harmonious blend of solid baseline play and nimble net skills.
During the awards ceremony, Yuan extended her gratitude to her opponents and partner, acknowledging the high level of competition and the joy of competing alongside them. Reflecting on her emotional journey in Ningbo, Yuan spoke of a special connection she felt with the city, particularly after the heartfelt gestures from the previous year and her triumphant return this season.
In the singles final showdown, Kasatkina faced off against the Mirra Andreeva in a thrilling match. Kasatkina dominated the first set with a swift 6-0 victory, but Andreeva staged a remarkable comeback in the second set, ultimately clinching it with a score of 6-4. The decisive set witnessed intense back-and-forth action, with Kasatkina rallying from a 0-3 deficit to secure a hard-fought 6-4 win, claiming the singles title in Ningbo.
For Kasatkina, the win marked her second title of the season. Despite the emotional defeat, 17-year-old Andreeva received comforting words from Kasatkina, underscoring their friendship and the promising future that lies ahead for the young player.