Third seed Taylah Preston capped a superb week at the Odlum Brown VanOpen by defeating fellow Australian Madison Inglis 7-6(5), 6-3 to claim the WTA 125 singles title at Hollyburn Country Club on Sunday.

The 20-year-old from Perth needed 89 minutes to overcome her compatriot in a tightly contested final, earning the biggest title of her career after a week of consistently impressive performances.

The opening set was a test of nerve, with neither player able to gain a decisive advantage before Preston held her composure in the tiebreak.

“It was a really tough first set,” Preston said. “I had a couple chances earlier, but I think just sticking to what I was doing, not worrying about that, and just focusing on what I could do in that tiebreak and staying on task really helped. I was able to get through it.”

Preston’s discipline proved decisive throughout the match. She converted four of her six break-point opportunities, won 62.5 percent of points on Inglis’ second serve, and saved six of the nine break points she faced to close out the victory in straight sets.

Facing a fellow Perth native in the final made the triumph even more special.

“I always knew it was going to be a tricky match,” Preston said. “Maddison has been playing unbelievable this year and especially throughout this week. So I knew it was going to be tough and I was going to have to be ready to play. But I’ve had a lot of really great matches that set me up well for this one, and I was just really happy to get there.”

For Preston, the title is the reward for months of hard work with her team and another milestone in her rapid rise.

“It means so much,” she said. “My coach and I have been putting in a lot of hard work, showing up every day and just working hard. So to be able to see it paying off is great and I’m super grateful.”

The Australian also hopes her success can inspire the next generation of players back home.

“It’s amazing. I think that’s one of the best parts about playing is we get to inspire so many young girls, just like girls like Maddison did for me, especially both being from Perth,” Preston said. “So, if I can inspire more young girls to pick up a racket and to play, I think that’s really amazing.”

Although her title run meant missing the National Bank Open in Toronto, Preston is looking ahead with confidence.

“I’m really excited for what’s coming up,” she said. “Unfortunately, I missed out on Toronto because I was still playing here, but there are still a lot of exciting tournaments coming up, and I’m looking forward to it.”