Garcia's Big Breakthrough in Bogota

She has been labelled as the next teen sensation for quite a while, but it was only this week that French rising star, Caroline Garcia, came of age. Inspired by a courageous performance against world No.1, American Serena Williams, in Miami—where she barely lost 4-6,6-4,4-6—Caroline caught wings. 

Playing in Bogota, the talented Frenchwoman finally got his big breakthrough, winning her maiden crown in style by defeating world No.9 and defending champion, Jelena Jankovic, in the final. Caroline also won the doubles title, becoming the first player since Serena at the 2012 London Olympics to ensure the singles-doubles sweep at a WTA-level event. 

"I'm very happy to win my first WTA title," Garcia said. "It was a good week for me. It's never easy playing with the altitude—it's hard to adapt, and my level was going up and down throughout the week—but I think I adjusted well and I probably played my best match of the week today in the final.

"I'm also really happy I was able to beat Jelena in the final. She's a really nice girl and a great player - she was the No.1 player in the world—and I had to play the best I could today to beat her.

"To win a WTA title is always a goal. Today is the best day I could imagine."

After a few tough years—years of relative frustration in which she had to adjust to the rigors of the WTA tour and to learn how to cope with the high expectations—Garcia looks to have found the maturity needed to fulfill her potential. Like Simona Halep did last summer, I am positive this is just  the beginning for this talented youngster. We will surely hear more of her in months to come. I bet!

With Alize Cornet winning in Katowice, this was a dream week for French tennis. It seems like French players can win after all ;).

Caroline Garcia won her maiden title by stunning defending Bogota champion, Jelena Jankovic, to score her first top 10 victory. The Frenchwoman also won the doubles crown, becoming the first player since Serena at the Olympics to ensure a clean sweep at a WTA-level event.

photos: GETTY IMAGES