Maria Sharapova came from behind in each set to Aryna Sabalenka, 7-5, 7-6 (8), on Sunday to win the Tianjin Open, her first WTA title in more than two years.
Sharapova, a former No. 1 and a five-time Grand Slam champion, returned to the tour in April after a 15-month doping ban. She entered the tournament ranked 86th in the world.
“It is a special title, a special victory,” Sharapova told reporters after the match.
She started the stronger, breaking Sabalenka in her opening service game, but struggled on serve and soon found herself trailing by 4-1 in the first set.