The surprise is perfect! The German tennis hope Sonja Zhenikhova celebrated its first tournament victory on the professional tour. The only 16-year-old secured the title at the small W15 event in Antalya.
Thanks to the clear two-set victory over the Spaniard Ariadna Garcia-Patron Canals (6: 3, 6: 0), Linda Sevcikova (6: 2, 6: 3) from the Czech Republic, DTB competitor Phillippa Preugschat (6: 2, 6: 1) and a real semi-final fight against Diana Demidova (5: 7, 6: 3, 6: 4) From Russia, Zhenikhova reached the first final of her professional career in Antalya – which she won on Sunday.
Against Gaia Maduzzi (number 1205) from Italy, who ended the fantastic professional debut of the 14-year-old German Ida Wobker in the semifinals, Zhenikhova prevailed with 6: 1, 4: 6 and 6: 3.
Since both players could not rely on their first serve, the game offered a total of 31 break opportunities (17 Zhenikhova/14 Maduzzi), 13 of whom were used (8 Zhenikhova/5 Maduzzi). After 2:28 hours, the DTB talent ultimately closed the sack with the second match ball.
German double players collect finals
Previously, Zhenikhova had achieved its best results in August 2024 in Erwitte (W35) and at the W15 tournament in Leimen in February 2025.
For the victory in Antalya, Zhenikhova collects 15 world ranking points, which should rinse a good distance in the ranking in the coming week.
Success is the only one from a German perspective in the current week. On Saturday there were three more chances in doubles, but Katharina Hobgarski and Antonia Schmidt missed the title win in Santa Margherita di Pula (W35/Italy) as well as Josy Daems alongside the Dänin Vilma Krebs Hyllested in Monastir (W15/Tunisia) or Tessa Brockmann and Preugchat in Antalya (W15/Türkheit).