Northern Marianas tennis player Carol Young Suh Lee has upset the top seed at the Warsaw Open in Poland on her way to the tournament’s quarterfinals.
The Saipan-born player defeated top-seeded Elsa Jacquemot 6-4, 6-4 in the opening round before recovering from a set down to beat Aliona Falei 2-6, 6-3, 6-1 in the Round of 16.
Lee, 24, told Marianas Press she went into the match against Jacquemot believing she was capable of pulling off the upset.
“I wouldn’t say I was surprised because I believed I was capable of winning the match. At the same time, I knew Elsa was the top seed for a reason and that I would need to play at a very high level,” Lee said.
“I went onto the court with a plan and focused on being aggressive, trusting my shots and competing for every point.”
Lee produced five aces and won 71 percent of her first-serve points against Jacquemot, while converting four of eight break-point opportunities.
Her next match required a comeback after Falei took the opening set 6-2.
Lee responded by winning the second set 6-3 and then ran away with the deciding set 6-1.
She converted five of seven break-point opportunities and won 72 percent of her first-serve points during the three-set victory.
“It was a very difficult match. Aliona is a strong competitor, and there were many challenging moments when I had to stay mentally tough,” Lee said.
“I had to keep adjusting, remain patient and accept that the momentum could change during the match. I’m proud of the way I handled the pressure and continued fighting until the end.”
Lee said reaching the final eight was particularly satisfying after being tested in different ways in her first two matches.
“It feels great to move into the quarterfinals. I’m really happy with the way I have competed throughout the tournament so far,” she said.
Lee was scheduled to face Poland’s Weronika Falkowska in the quarterfinals.
As of August 2026, the Saipan-born professional holds a WTA singles ranking of No. 165.
