Cirotte lifts tennis singles title

France’s Astrid Cirotte fought back from a set down to defeat Thailand’s Kamonwan Yodpetch and win the women’s singles title at the W-15 Islamabad Junaid Family Foundation World Tennis Women’s Championships 2026.

Cirotte prevailed 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 in the final of the tournament’s second leg at the Pakistan Tennis Federation (PTF) Tennis Complex, recovering from a difficult start to secure the title.

Yodpetch, however, returned to the winners’ podium in the doubles competition, partnering China’s Ru Xi Wu to claim the crown.

The pair defeated Germany’s Anastasiya Kuparev and Uzbekistan’s Sevil Yuldasheva 6-3, 4-6, 10-2 in the final, winning the deciding match tie-break convincingly after the teams split the opening two sets.

The international tournament featured 31 players from 17 countries, including France, China, Russia, Denmark, Mexico, Uzbekistan, South Africa, the Netherlands, South Korea, Nepal, Japan, Hong Kong, Germany, Thailand, Türkiye, the Czech Republic and hosts Pakistan.

United States Chargé d’Affaires Natalie A. Baker attended the closing ceremony as chief guest, while Ansir Junaid, chairman of the Junaid Family Foundation, and his wife were guests of honour. They joined officials in distributing prizes to the champions and runners-up.

PTF president Aisam-ul-Haq Qureshi and secretary general Colonel Zia-ud-Din Tufail were also present at the ceremony.

French tennis player Aravane Rezaï received a shield in recognition of her services and contributions to the sport.

The closing ceremony was attended by ambassadors, diplomats, tennis officials, players, coaches, parents and spectators, reflecting growing interest in women’s tennis and international sporting events in Pakistan.

Qureshi congratulated the champions and runners-up on their performances and thanked Baker, the Junaid family and other guests for attending. He also acknowledged the foundation’s support in staging the tournament.

The championship forms part of the PTF’s efforts to promote women’s tennis, provide Pakistani players with opportunities to compete alongside international opponents and strengthen the country’s capacity to host international tennis events.

The Junaid Family Foundation sponsored the tournament, supporting efforts to develop the sport and expand opportunities for women players in Pakistan.