Last week in the French city of Angers became a notable milestone for Uzbekistan’s sports community. Kamilla Rakhimova, whose name sparked lively discussion in early December due to her decision to represent Uzbekistan on the international stage, delivered a major result by capturing the WTA 125 title. Competing on indoor hard courts, she navigated the entire draw and finished her run at the highest possible point — with a win in the final.
A Final Fueled by Grit: Control, Pressure, and a Clinched Tie-Break
The championship match was a clear showcase of psychology and execution in the biggest moments. Across the net stood Tamara Korpach of Germany — an experienced opponent who entered the final sitting around No. 138 in the world rankings. The opening set went Rakhimova’s way: she dictated the tempo, managed the rallies more effectively, and sealed it 6:3.
The second set demanded maximum focus from the 24-year-old. The contest tightened, every mistake carried a heavier price, and the title ultimately came down to a tie-break — where Rakhimova was sharper on the crucial points to close the match 7:6 (7:4).
Rankings Boost and Prize Money: A Win That “Works” for the Season
The Angers title delivered tangible benefits beyond the trophy. For winning in France, Rakhimova added 125 ranking points — the kind of haul that can reshape a season for players fighting to stay inside the elite hundred. She started the week at No. 112, and in the updated live WTA rankings she climbed back into the Top 100, landing at No. 97.
The financial upside mattered as well: the champion’s prize money topped €13,000 — a meaningful boost against a packed schedule and the ongoing costs of travel and support staff.
Switching to the Uzbekistan Flag: Key Context Behind December's Headlines
The attention around Rakhimova’s run also stems from developments off the court. In the first days of December 2025, reports surfaced that the Yekaterinburg-born player intended to change her sporting nationality from Russia to Uzbekistan. In Angers, however, she was officially entered under neutral status — a standard procedure for Russian athletes under the current geopolitical climate while the paperwork for her transition to the Uzbekistan flag moves through its final stages.
What a Top-100 Player Means for Uzbekistan: National Team Firepower and Rising Interest in Tennis
For Uzbekistan tennis, adding a player of Top-100 caliber is a strategically significant development. It can strengthen the country’s position in international team competitions, add valuable depth, and — just as importantly — raise domestic interest in the sport. The Angers triumph underlines that Rakhimova is in strong form and ready for the new season, which she will likely begin as a full-fledged representative of Uzbekistan.
Why WTA 125 Matters: “A Second-Tier Tour” With Big Points
WTA 125 events are often called the “little sisters” of the main tour: titles here do not count as official trophies of the primary WTA circuit, yet the ranking payoff can be substantial. These tournaments offer points comparable to late rounds at bigger events, making them crucial for players hovering around the Top 100 and chasing direct entry into the main draws of Grand Slams.
