Lexus Nottingham Open 2026: Hannah Klugman captures first WTA win
• 2 minute read
Lucky loser Hannah Klugman marked a major career milestone with a straight-sets victory over fellow Brit Harriet Dart to seal her first WTA Tour-level win at the Lexus Nottingham Open.
It was an inspired performance from the 17-year-old, who needed just one hour and 21 minutes to secure a 6-2, 6-4 win and book her place in the second round of the WTA 250 event for the first time.
For Klugman, this win has been a long time coming. Currently ranked world No.509, the rising star enjoyed a strong junior career, reaching a career-high of junior world No.1 and being crowned champion of the prestigious U18 Orange Bowl in 2023, the first British player to do so.
She played her first WTA Tour-level match in Nottingham last June, but lost out to Yulia Putintseva in round one.
Klugman had originally exited in the final round of qualifying after a defeat to Turkey’s Zeynep Sonmez – who went on to upset top seed Leylah Fernandez in the first round earlier today. However, a late withdrawal, handed the Brit a second chance and prompting an early-morning return to Nottingham today.
“I was at home this morning, I obviously lost on Sunday,” Klugman said, while beaming in her on-court interview. “I went back home, and was first up so my coach was telling me we had to drive up at 5am this morning so it’s been a long day for me.
Last year I stepped out here to play my first ever WTA match and today I've now won my first WTA match - I'm so happy.
“I’m so proud to get my first win today. It was tough to play another Brit, someone I've watched since I was younger but that’s pretty special as well to get your first win. I’m ready for the next round.”
Ranked 357 places below Dart, Klugman delivered a composed and mature performance on Centre Court. She won 77% of points (27/35) behind her first serve and impressed on return, taking 61% of Dart’s second-serve points (17/28).
Despite her limited experience at WTA Tour level, the teenager handled the key moments superbly, converting four of her five break point opportunities to secure a statement victory over the British No.5.
“I think because I lost on Sunday I had to take this chance - I had to give it my all and I did that,” Klugman responded when asked how she held her nerve so well.
“I didn’t play with any fear and I didn’t want to have any regrets after this match. “I’d love to do what Katie Boulter’s done - to win twice here. I’m taking it one match at a time and just trying to enjoy this moment too.”
A first tour-level win on home soil caps a whirlwind day for Klugman, who also learned she has been awarded a main draw wild card for Wimbledon, where she will bid to claim her first Grand Slam victory.
Before that, she will turn her attention to a second-round clash with fourth seed Marie Bouzkova as she looks to build on her breakthrough performance at the Lexus Nottingham Open.
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