So close, but not quite for New Zealand's Lulu Sun in the final of the WTA 500 Monterrey tournament in Mexico.
Sun was beaten by 19-year-old sixth seed Czech Linda Noskova 7-6(6) 6-4 in the New Zealander’s first career WTA final.
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Sun, 23 had never advanced beyond a quarterfinal at tour-level until this week. However she did post a massive quarterfinal showing last month, reaching the Wimbledon elite eight as a qualifier.
Her opponent made the quarters at the Australian Open, after beating world No 1 Iga Swiatek, in January.
Sun was broken in the second game of the opening set after a long battle, but in the next game got the break back, as Noskova put a backhand into the net trying to defend the second break point against her.
This was followed by a hold to love from the Kiwi No 1, to level the opening set at 2-2.
Sun had to defend a couple more break points at 2-3, which she did, but the next game was a big one.
Noskova went out to a 40-0 lead before Sun fought back to have a breakpoint, however, Noskova’s willingness to come to the net paid off as she got the hold.
At 5-5, Noskova once again fell behind 15-40, but once more got out of trouble and in the next game Sun hit a couple of incredible winners to send the set into a tiebreak.
At the change of ends, it was 3-3, then at 3-4 Noskova double faulted and soon after Sun was serving at 6-4. But the No 6 seed saved that set point and the one that followed, thanks to a big serve down the middle.
Sun soon after had to save a set point on her serve and on it Noskova hit a huge return out wide that the Kiwi could not get back.
Noskova got a break in the fifth game of the second set and even though Sun never gave up, holding serve to love at 3-5, Noskova sent down an ace out wide on her first championship point for the title.
By reaching the final, Sun will pick up US$87,655 (NZ$140,629) of prize money and should rise to No 41 in the world.
On Monday night (Tuesday afternoon NZT), Sun will play against Lucia Bronzetti from Italy in the first round of the US Open.
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