Casanova wins first tournament

Myriam Casanova celebrates her victory over tournament favourite Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario. Myriam Casanova

The Swiss teenager Myriam Casanova has won her first ever tournament by defeating Arantxa Sanchez-Vicario of Spain in Brussels.

The 17-year-old overpowered the top-seeded tournament favourite and former world number one in the WTA tournament in three sets, 4-6, 6-2, 6-1.

Casanova surprised Sanchez-Vicario with her strong returns and powerful serves. The result moved her up the rankings from 119th to 85th.

Even though the Spaniard’s veteran skills were dominant earlier in the match, Casanova, who got a wildcard entry into Brussels, fought back taking the second set on some hard fought volleys.

A dream comes true

A very emotional Casanova said after the game it had always been a dream of hers to play the Spanish veteran, adding that to play her and win would be “the greatest”.

This latest victory continues Casanova’s winning streak, who reached the third round at Wimbledon last month and beat sixth-seed Virginia Ruano Pascual from Spain at the semi-finals on Saturday.

If she continues her current form, the St Gallen-based player is likely to earn herself a place in September’s US Open – without having to slog her way through the qualifying rounds.

swissinfo with agencies