British tennis player Harriet Dart claims her first WTA title at Guangzhou Open

British tennis player Harriet Dart won her first WTA title by beating Austrian teenager Lilli Tagger at the Guangzhou Open in China.

Background

Dart credits her recent success to part-time coach Marion Bartoli, the 2013 Wimbledon champion who began working with her at the start of the season. When their partnership began, Dart was ranked outside the top 160, but her victory in China is projected to raise her to 83rd in the world. The pair live close to each other in Dubai and train together during blocks when Dart is not traveling on tour.

Context

Tennis players often hire former Grand Slam champions as coaches to gain tactical insight and mental toughness in high-pressure matches. Hard-court tournaments in Asia are a key part of the autumn tennis calendar for players looking to improve their rankings before the end of the season.