Golubic and Tagger Clash in Jiangxi Open Semifinals

JIUJIANG, China — The Jiangxi Open semifinals will feature a rare encounter between two one-handed backhand players as defending champion Viktorija Golubic faces 17-year-old wild card Lilli Tagger.

Both players showed exceptional skill in their quarterfinal matches. The No. 2 seed, Golubic, overcame a challenging start, coming from 5-1 down in the first set to defeat the No. 5 seed Yulia Putintseva. Golubic described the match as a “very strategic, psychological battle.” Meanwhile, Tagger, the reigning Roland Garros junior champion, made a successful WTA main-draw debut by defeating Tamara Korpatsch 6-3, 6-4 and has not dropped a set this tournament.

At 33 years old, Golubic is one of only two players with a one-handed backhand in the Top 100, alongside 38-year-old Tatjana Maria. She expressed her excitement regarding Tagger’s rise in the sport. “I’m really excited. I love to see young players coming up playing the one-handed backhand; it doesn’t happen so often. She’s a great player, and it’s going to be a tricky match,” Golubic stated.

Tagger has made an impressive impact on the tour at such a young age. In 2025, she has already captured three ITF titles, boasting a professional record of 33-8. Notably, she earned her first Top 100 victory this week against Elisabetta Cocciaretto.

In her match against Korpatsch, Tagger showcased her versatility with impressive volleys and drop shots. A tense moment arose during her first match point when Korpatsch’s shot appeared out, only for the call to be overturned. It took Tagger two additional match points to secure her victory.

Inspired by Golubic’s fellow countryman Roger Federer, Tagger is currently coached by former Roland Garros champion Francesca Schiavone. As she prepares to face Golubic, it’s a fitting meeting between generations of one-handed backhand excellence.