Pro Media & News

Ann Li wins second WTA singles title in Guangzhou, enters Top 40

Arthur Kapetanakis | October 27, 2025

Second seed Ann Li was second to none in Guangzhou, where the American swept to the WTA 250 singles title without dropping a set in five wins. The 25-year-old earned a new career-high WTA ranking of No. 33 behind her trophy run in China, having previously reached finals in Singapore and Cleveland this season.

"A second WTA title in the books. Third time's a charm this year I guess," Li wrote in an Instagram post before thanking her team, including coach Carlos Boluda. Coco Gauff, Jennifer Brady and Alison Riske-Amritraj were among those who replied to congratulate their compatriot on her victory.

 

Li defeated 2024 WTA Newcomer of the Year Lulu Sun, 7-6(6), 6-2, to claim the Guangzhou title on Sunday, pulling away from the former University of Texas star after a dramatic first set. The American saved five break points in the opening frame and battled back from 3-0 down in the tiebreak after missing out on four set points.

 

The eighth American singles champion this season on the WTA Tour, Li is the first U.S. woman to win Guangzhou since Sofia Kenin in 2019. Li improved to 2-4 in tour-level finals; she won her maiden WTA trophy in Tenerife, Spain, but lost three finals dating back to last October.

Ann Li did not lose a set on her way to the Guangzhou title. Photo by STR/AFP via Getty Images.

Li will be back in action this week in China at the Jiangxi Open, where she is the No. 1 seed. She begins her campaign Tuesday against China's Bai Zhouxuan.

Skip Advertisement

Advertisement

Related Articles

  • Visit the Anisimova: New U.S. No. 1 page
    Anisimova: New U.S. No. 1
    January 06, 2026
    Amanda Anisimova is the new No. 1 American in the WTA singles rankings after she rose to a career-high of world No. 3 on Monday. Read More
  • Visit the DC first rd qualifier page
    DC first rd qualifier
    January 05, 2026
    Rising stars Ethan Quinn and Emilio Nava and accomplished veterans Austin Krajicek and Rajeev Ram will represent the U.S. in its Davis Cup Qualifying First Round tie vs. Hungary to be played February 7-8. Read More
  • Visit the 2025 in review page
    2025 in review
    December 17, 2025
    Coco Gauff, Madison Keys and Taylor Townsend all won Grand Slam titles in 2025, with four American women and two U.S. men ending the season in the singles Top 10. Read More