By James Sablan
james@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
IN a thrilling two-set final that showcased both mental resilience and tactical precision, CNMI-born professional tennis player Carol Young Suh Lee (No. 2 seed) defeated China’s Xiaodi You (No. 6 seed), 6-4, 7-5, to capture the singles title at the ITF W35 Kunshan tournament in China on Sunday — securing her second W35 title of the year.
Lee opened the match with commanding control, displaying the sharp form that had carried her through the draw. Although You responded with fierce resistance during early exchanges, Lee maintained her composure to take the first set 6-4, setting the tone for what would become a dramatic finish.
The second set initially appeared one-sided as Lee raced to a 5-0 lead. However, the championship pressure tightened, and You launched a remarkable comeback, winning five straight games to level the score at 5-5.
Speaking with Variety, Lee acknowledged that You’s late surge was the most challenging moment of the match.
“She came back from 0-5 down in the second set and started gaining her confidence while I was feeling the pressure,” Lee said. “So, I’d say closing out the match and not letting it go to a third set was the biggest challenge.”
With the set hanging in the balance, Lee dug deep.
“I think what helped me was resetting my mind — relaxing and refocusing on executing the game plan,” she said.
That mental reset proved decisive. Lee halted You’s momentum, forced the tiebreak at 6-6, and closed it out 7-5 to secure the win in straight sets, denying You the chance to force a decider.
When asked what ultimately carried her to victory, Lee credited her mentality.
“My fighting spirit, grit, and ability to stick to the game plan with a growth mindset are my biggest strengths,” she said. “I’m focusing on using those strengths to create more opportunities to play aggressively.”
The championship came as a pleasant surprise even for Lee herself.
“It feels really nice,” she said. “I honestly wasn’t expecting to win another W35 title this year.”
Lee’s agent, Juandell Brunner, also reflected on her remarkable journey from Saipan to the international tennis stage.
“Her story is incredible — coming from the Northern Mariana Islands to competing at this level,” he said. “It’s been an amazing ride. I promised her family that I would take care of her and we would do our best, and she has been incredible. It’s a two-way street.”
With her victory in Kunshan, Lee has now earned eligibility to compete in the Australian Open, scheduled for Jan. 12 to Feb. 1, including entry into the qualifying rounds.
“Either way, she gets to play in a Grand Slam,” her agent confirmed.
From island beginnings to the world’s biggest tennis stages, Carol Young Suh Lee continues to write one of the most inspiring stories in CNMI sports history — and she’s just getting started.
