Shuai wins Lyon Open as runner-up Yastremska makes Ukraine pledge

Zhang Shuai secured her third career title as she battled past Dayana Yastremska in a Lyon Open final thriller on Sunday.

Ukrainian Yastremska fled her hometown of Odessa last month amid the ongoing conflict between Ukraine and Russia, and embarked on an emotional run throughout this tournament.

Yastremska credited the support she received from across the globe as a motivating factor for her success after reaching the final, where she could not get the better of eighth seed Zhang.

China’s Zhang had not lost a set all week, though she did falter as world number 128 Yastremska claimed the first set before succumbing 3-6 6-3 6-4.

Yastremska, 21, was twice two games ahead in the deciding set, at 2-0 and 4-2 up, but Zhang reeled off four straight games to take the trophy.

Zhang was keen to credit her opponent after the match, saying: “Big congrats to Dayana and her team for working so hard.

“I know it’s a tough time for you, but you are a fighter, you play unbelievable tennis. You are the best. For sure, you will win a lot of tournaments. Keep going.”

Yastremska announced she would donate her prize money to a charity to provide aid back home, saying: “If Ukrainian people are watching me, you guys are so strong, you have an amazing spirit.

“I try to fight for Ukraine and I want to say thanks to every single person for standing by us and showing everyone we have a really strong spirit.”