[Women’s Singles – Second Round]
Lilli Tagger (AUT) 7-5, 6-3 Tereza Valentova (CZE)

■A talented 18-year-old Tagger showcased her powerful serves and ability to hit winners from the baseline to defeat last year’s runner-up, Valentova. Tagger won the girls’ singles title at the 2025 French Open Junior Championships, while Valentova claimed the same title in 2024. This was the second tour-level meeting between the two highly promising young players. Valentova won their previous encounter in a close 7-5, 7-5 battle, but this time the younger Tagger had her revenge.

■“It wasn’t an easy match. There were times when I couldn’t convert important points, but my serve helped me,” Tagger said. She won an impressive 85% of points behind her first serves and delivered five aces. Her fast and well-angled serves, powered by her 185 cm frame, proved particularly effective at crucial moments. She also overcame difficult conditions caused by strong winds. “The wind was moving the ball around, so I tried to make sure I didn’t lose my concentration,” Tagger said, identifying her ability to stay focused as one of the keys to her victory.

(Japan Tennis Association)