Wang Xinyu, SZ first tennis Grand Slam champion

Video by Liu Xudong

Wang Xinyu, a talented young ace from Shenzhen, won the women’s double title at French Open on Sunday, becoming the city's first Grand Slam champion.

Wang and her partner Hsieh Su-wei from Chinese Taipei, rallied from a set down in the final to defeat Taylor Townsend of the United States and Canada's Leylah Fernandez, 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-1, to win the coveted doubles trophy at the clay court major tournament in Paris.

Wang Xinyu (L) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei pose with the trophy after winning the women's doubles final at the French Open in Paris on Sunday. Xinhua

Competing at their second tournament after teaming up at a warm-up event in Strasbourg, Germany, Wang and Hsieh pulled off a stunning campaign that saw them upset five higher-ranked seeded teams to claim their first doubles title of the season.

Wang, a 21-year-old native of Shenzhen, became the fifth Chinese mainland player to lift a doubles trophy at the Grand Slam stage, while Hsieh bagged her fifth major doubles title and her second at Roland Garros nine years after her first triumph in Paris.

Wang Xinyu (L) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei kiss the trophy after winning the women's doubles final at the French Open in Paris on Sunday. Xinhua

Last week in the singles draw, Wang also achieved her career best at a Grand Slam event by reaching the third round in Paris, where she eventually lost to tournament champion Iga Swiatek of Poland in straight sets.

Wang, who is ranked 80th in singles and 105th in doubles, attributed her breakthrough to veteran Hsieh's lead.

Wang Xinyu in action during the match. Xinhua

"Thanks for the support of the audience. Thank you to my partner for playing with me. It was kind of a last-second decision (to team up). I am happy we made it so far, really enjoyed playing with you," Wang said in fluent English during the trophy ceremony.

In 2022, Wang, troubled with injuries and issues with the coaching team, wasn’t playing up to potential. According to her father, Wang Peng, the treatment for her left elbow wasn’t very satisfactory so she had to adjust to her new situation. 

Wang Xinyu during a previous match. Xinhua

Hsieh, 37, who hasn't played a Grand Slam for the past two years due to injuries, made a strong comeback and brought valuable experience for Wang.

"The secret for doubles is to find a good partner, to have fun on the court and to enjoy playing with your partner while outplaying the opponents," Hsieh said.

Wang Xinyu (L) of China and Hsieh Su-wei of Chinese Taipei pose with the trophy after winning the women's doubles final at the French Open in Paris on Sunday. Xinhua

Though making a breakthrough in doubles, Wang said she would still focus on her game for singles.

“I hope to have enough time for training systematically, too many competitions will affect staying healthy,“ Wang said, adding that her future goal is to win a Grand Slam champion for singles.

“There are always ups and downs in sports competition and life, you will gain more through experiences. I see the things that need to be improved through competitions in the season this year. It is a very positive thing,” Wang said.