TOKYO, Japan – Christina McHale produced a stirring comeback to defeat Katerina Siniakova in the final of the Japan Women’s Open Tennis and lift her maiden WTA title.

A semifinalist 12 months ago, McHale looked in store for another near-miss when she trailed Siniakova by a set and a break. However, a timely rain delay and a run of eight straight games turned the match on its head as the American closed out a 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 victory.

In a match of multiple twists and turns, McHale was very nearly foiled at the last, Sinaikova rallying from 5-2 down to set up a tense conclusion.

Ultimately, McHale’s nerve held steady, completing an emotional victory when Siniakova tugged a backhand wide.

McHale, whose only previous WTA final came at Acapulco in 2014, endured a marathon journey to the winner’s circle, spending over 13 hours on court after going the distance in each of her five matches.

“I don’t even want to put my trophy down – i just want to hold it all the time,” McHale said during the trophy presentation. “I’ve been coming to this tournament for a few years now and I really love it here. Thanks to all the fans and everyone here for sticking through all the rain delays – we’ve had a few, especially today!”

Sinaikova, who also lost in the Bastad final this this summer, was unable to hide her disappointment at witnessing what would have been her first title slip away. “I’m here in the final for the second time and unfortunately it was really tough for me, so I’m a little sad. But Christina played really well, so congratulations to her,” she said.

More to follow…