Harriet Dart is the big winner of the week on the WTA circuit.
The British player secured her first-ever WTA title at 30 years of age after defeating Austrian youngster Lilli Tagger in the Guangzhou Open final.
“It’s been a wild week – I’m super proud of myself,” Dart said during her post-match speech in the Chinese city.
Dart is set to rise 32 places in the WTA rankings to world number 83, overtaking Francesca Jones to become the new British number three.
Dart’s success will certainly raise hopes among British tennis fans that their nation’s players can enjoy a successful year on the Tour in 2027.
British tennis fans have much to be excited about ahead of the 2027 campaign
It has been a difficult year for British tennis players in singles events.
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Underwhelming performances at Grand Slam events combined with long-term injuries to star players Jack Draper and Emma Raducanu have dampened the feeling around British tennis.
However, it has not all been doom and gloom.
Katie Boulter has won another WTA title this year – in Ostrava, Czechia – as has Harriet Dart, who has now proven that she can compete at the top level.
Raducanu and Draper, undoubtedly Britain’s most talented players on the circuit, will also have the opportunity to prove their detractors wrong when they return to their respective Tours in 2027.
Arthur Fery has also been a shining light for the nation this year; the young Briton produced some marvellous tennis to reach the Wimbledon semi-finals in July, eventually losing to two-time Grand Slam champion Alexander Zverev.
Moreover, who can forget the recent efforts of Sonay Kartal? The British star reached the Wuhan Open final last month, beating Belinda Bencic, Jasmine Paolini, Elina Svitolina and Jelena Ostapenko en route.
British tennis fans, have faith in your current collection of players – there is much to be excited about.
Jack Draper discusses his injury issues
Draper has suffered from a plethora of physical issues throughout his young career, including injuries to his hip and shoulder.
Over the past year, the Briton has struggled to overcome a bone bruise in his left arm.
In a recent interview with Men’s Health, Draper discussed the trials and tribulations associated with injury setbacks.
“It was difficult to deal with,” Draper said of his past injuries. “In 2022, when I first came onto tour, I broke the top 100, which is every tennis player’s dream. In 2023, I was injured a fair bit but finished the year around 40 in the world.
“Then in 2024 and halfway through 2025, I was really climbing the rankings and feeling unbelievable in myself and my body. All my hard work and sacrifices were paying off. And all of a sudden I got hit with a really difficult, complicated injury.
“I really tried for a long, long time to work for it and keep going. I’d worked so hard to get to where I was, so I was desperate. Especially in tennis, you’re kind of watching yourself falling every week, trying to not let the boat sink.
“I think it’s been more about taking myself away from the game a little bit to get my energy back.
“I started playing and working when I was about 16, so all I’ve ever known is my tennis. I’ve probably neglected a lot of other areas of my life, like going on holiday or meeting friends and just doing normal things.
“So I suppose it’s helped me realise that success isn’t just tennis. Success can be feeling good in yourself. Success can be having great relationships with the people that you love around you and taking time for that as well.”
Draper is expected to return to the ATP Tour at the start of 2027. His first tournament is yet to be confirmed.
