Chris Evert, BJK congratulate Brady on first WTA title

Jennifer Brady has always owned some of the best shots in the business. Those who paid close attention prior to the hiatus knew that the 25-year-old former UCLA standout was a player to keep a close eye on in 2020.

Unlike many WTA players who play relatively flat and through the court, Brady throws off opponents with a combination of spin, power and bold shot-making. Her blazing racquet-head speed on her forehand allows her to hit shots that make highlight reels regularly, like this jaw-dropper during the World Team Tennis season.

Last week, Brady finally put it all together, obliterating the Lexington field en route to her first WTA title. Not only did she win every set she played, she dropped just 24 total games in her five matches and lost serve just three times.

It was a dominant display, and caught the attention of some of the biggest names in the sport.

Eighteen-time Grand Slam champion Chris Evert joined King in her praise of Brady’s dominant performance.

Fellow American Sloane Stephens was also quick to congratulate her friend.

Fed Cup captain Kathy Rinaldi is no doubt excited by the possible future addition of another singles star to her already formidable lineup.

“It feels great to win my first title,” Brady said after the match. “There’s only winner each week, so walking home with the trophy for the first time, at home in America, I’m really happy.”

With her win, it’s hard not to put Brady on the short list of potential dark horses for the upcoming US Open, where at her new career-high ranking of No. 40 she'll be seeded for the first time.

In 2020, Brady owns a 15-2 record against players ranked outside the Top 10. So far, six of the world’s Top 10 players have withdrawn from the open, including Ashleigh Barty, Simona Halep, Elina Svitolina, Bianca Andreescu, Kiki Bertens and Belinda Bencic. If Brady maintains her Lexington form, a deep run in Flushing Meadows should come as no surprise.