Semifinals reached! Lilli Tagger eliminates World No. 40

ÖTV talent Lilli Tagger continues her run at the WTA 250 hardcourt tournament in Prague!

On Friday, the 18-year-old Tyrolean defeated third-seeded Sara Bejlek (WTA No. 40) 6-3, 6-4 in 1 hour and 39 minutes.

Strong Performance

Tagger broke the Czech home favourite twice in the first set. She held her own serve unscathed.

In the second set, Tagger secured an early break for a 2-0 lead, but immediately conceded a re-break in the very next game. After the Austrian managed another break to make it 5-3, Bejlek responded with a break for 4-5.

However, the following game was the last. Tagger earned three match points on Bejlek's serve, converting the final one.

Revenge, and a Chance for a Premiere

This gives Tagger her revenge. Just last week, the Austrian was eliminated by 20-year-old Bejlek in the second round of the WTA 250 tournament in Athens.

It is also confirmed that Tagger has thus reached the semifinals of a WTA 250 tournament for the second time in her young career.

In early November 2025, she even reached the final in Jiujiang, but lost 3-6, 3-6 to Anna Blinkova.

Tagger Nears Top 60 for the First Time

Additionally, thanks to her run in Prague, the Lienz native is set for a new career-high in the WTA World Rankings. Tagger reaches the 1000-point mark for the first time thanks to her win against Bejlek, placing her at No. 60 in the live rankings.

Her previous career-high in the world rankings was No. 74, achieved last Monday.