Englewood Cliffs Resident Christina McHale Wins First Professional Tennis Tournament

ENGLEWOOD CLIFFS, N.J. — Borough resident Christina McHale made a stirring comeback Saturday to defeat Katerina Siniakova in the final of the Japan Women's Open Tennis and win her first professional tennis title.

McHale, a seventh seed in the tournament, came from behind in the final to win, 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

"I don't even want to put my trophy down — I just want to hold it all the time," McHale, 24, said during the trophy presentation, wtatennis.com reported. "I've been coming to this tournament for a few years now and I really love it here. Thanks to all the fans and everyone here for sticking through all the rain delays — we've had a few, especially today."

McHale turned pro when she was 17 and has made to third round of every major tournament, but never won on tour before. She made it to the semifinals of the Japan Women's Open last year.

McHale, who was born in Teaneck, won eight straight games against Siniakova en route to the victory.

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Photo: Christina McHale — By Christian Mesiano, used with permission via Creative Commons license