The 2020 China Open and Shanghai Masters tournaments saw some incredible tennis matches, with two young stars emerging victorious. Poland’s Iga Swiatek, 19, defeated Anastasia Samsonova of Russia 6-4, 6-2 to win the China Open, while American Sebastian Korda, 20, shocked world number two Daniil Medvedev of Russia 7-6 (2), 6-4 to win the Shanghai Masters.
Swiatek, who is currently ranked 54th in the world, was the underdog in the China Open final. She had never won a WTA singles title before and was playing against a more experienced opponent. However, Swiatek was able to use her aggressive style of play to her advantage and outlast Samsonova. She won the first set 6-4 and then dominated the second set 6-2 to take the title.
Korda, who is currently ranked 98th in the world, was also an underdog in the Shanghai Masters final. He had never won an ATP singles title before and was playing against one of the best players in the world. However, Korda was able to stay composed and use his powerful groundstrokes to his advantage. He won the first set 7-6 (2) and then cruised to a 6-4 victory in the second set to take the title.
These two young stars have shown that they have what it takes to compete at the highest level. Swiatek and Korda have both proven that they can handle pressure and come out on top against more experienced opponents. With their impressive performances at the China Open and Shanghai Masters, they have certainly put themselves on the map and will be players to watch in the future.