Tagger, Golubic Face Off in Jiujiang Semis with One-Handed Backhands
The Jiangxi Open semifinals showcase a unique clash as defending champion Viktorija Golubic faces 17-year-old wild card Lilli Tagger. Both players are known for their one-handed backhands, making this matchup particularly intriguing.
Semifinal Highlights
Golubic, the No. 2 seed, demonstrated her resilience by coming back from a 5-1 deficit to defeat No. 5 seed Yulia Putintseva. She described the match as a “very strategic, psychological battle.” Tagger, the reigning Roland Garros junior champion, has shown her prowess by breezing past Tamara Korpatsch with a score of 6-3, 6-4. Remarkably, she remains without a dropped set throughout the tournament.
Player Profiles
- Viktorija Golubic:
- Age: 33
- Rank: No. 2 seed
- Experience: Known for her one-handed backhand alongside 38-year-old Tatjana Maria.
- Quote: “I love to see young players coming up playing the one-handed [backhand].”
- Lilli Tagger:
- Age: 17
- Rank: Wild card entrant
- Achievements: Winner of three ITF titles in 2025 and reigning Roland Garros junior champion.
- Play Style: Features an impressive array of volleys and drop shots.
- Coaching: Under the guidance of Francesca Schiavone.
Match Context
This semifinal is particularly significant as it highlights the resurgence of players utilizing the one-handed backhand. Golubic expressed excitement over the potential of Tagger, praising her skills and competitiveness. The match promises to be challenging, blending Golubic’s experience against Tagger’s youthful talent.
Tagger’s Journey
Despite her youth, Tagger has made an impressive entry into professional tennis. Her record stands at 33 wins and 8 losses in 2025. She achieved her first Top 100 victory this week against Elisabetta Cocciaretto. In her match against Korpatsch, Tagger showcased her mental toughness, ultimately needing two match points to secure her place in the semifinals.
The semifinal on display in Jiujiang not only marks a critical point in both players’ careers but also highlights the rarity and beauty of the one-handed backhand in modern tennis.
