Heather Watson beat Chang Kai-Сhen of Taiwan in the final of the Japan Open in Osaka on Sunday to end Britain’s 24-year wait for a WTA Tour singles title.
It was a maiden career singles final for both players, and the 20-year-old Watson battled to a 7-5, 5-7, 7-6(4) win in 3 hours and 13 minutes.
The last Briton to capture a WTA singles title was Sara Gomer, who won the 1988 Northern California Open by defeating local player Robin White 6-4, 7-5.
Last month, Watson’s compatriot Laura Robson reached the singles final at the Guangzhou International Women's Open in China, but lost to Hsieh Su-Wei of Taiwan 6-3, 5-7, 6-4.