Two years after speaking exclusively to The Tennis Site about her injury struggles and determination to continue playing, Alice Tubello has celebrated the biggest title of her professional career.
Alice Tubello has claimed her first WTA 125 title, defeating Austria’s Julia Grabher 3–6, 7–6(5), 7–6(2) in a dramatic final at the Curitiba Open in Brazil on Sunday, 1 November.
The 25-year-old Frenchwoman recovered from a set and 4–0 down to win a contest lasting three hours and 22 minutes, securing the most significant title of her career.
For Tubello, whose professional journey has been repeatedly interrupted by serious injuries and surgeries, the victory is yet another huge milestone in a remarkable comeback story.
In August 2024, Tubello spoke exclusively to The Tennis Site about her struggles with injury, the financial challenges of professional tennis and her determination to reach the sport’s highest level.
More than two years later, she has taken a significant step towards that ambition.
Tubello Completes Dramatic Curitiba Comeback
Tubello entered the Curitiba final against second seed Grabher having already defeated three seeded opponents during the tournament.
However, her hopes of a maiden WTA 125 title appeared in serious trouble when she lost the opening set and fell 4–0 behind in the second.
Rather than allowing the match to slip away, Tubello fought back to force a tiebreak, eventually winning it 7–5.
The deciding set was another closely contested affair, with both players having opportunities to take control.
Once again, it was Tubello who produced her best tennis when it mattered most, racing through the final tiebreak 7–2 to complete a famous victory.
The title was her 11th professional singles triumph, but her first above ITF World Tennis Tour level.
It capped an impressive week on the Brazilian clay, which included victories over fourth seed Laura Samson, eighth seed Jazmin Ortenzi and Brazilian teenager Nauhany Vitoria Leme Da Silva.
The Frenchwoman collected 125 ranking points and $15,500 in prize money, providing a welcome boost heading into the final weeks of the season. She is now projected to move to #152 in the world, smashing through her previous career high of #198 earlier this year.
A Career Defined by Resilience
When The Tennis Site first interviewed Tubello in August 2024, she had already undergone four operations, including three on her left wrist and another to address a compressed nerve affecting her right shoulder and arm.
At one stage, she had spent almost eight months away from competition, watching her world ranking fall to No. 722.
Her return in 2024 was impressive, with three ITF titles helping her climb to a then career-high ranking of No. 274.
But perhaps the most significant development was simply being able to compete without pain.
Speaking exclusively to The Tennis Site at the time, Tubello explained:
“I’m back playing tennis without pain, which is really, really great for me, and that’s the most important thing.”
Unfortunately, another setback followed.
After competing in Australian Open qualifying in January 2025, Tubello underwent hip surgery, forcing another lengthy absence from the professional circuit.
She returned approximately six months later, once again beginning the difficult process of rebuilding her ranking and match fitness.
Her 2026 season has included ITF titles at W35 San Gregorio in Italy and W50 Bujumbura in Burundi, before her breakthrough at WTA 125 level in Curitiba.
A Significant Step Towards the Top 100
The Curitiba title is particularly meaningful given the financial and physical challenges Tubello has faced throughout her career.
In her original interview, she explained how limited family finances had prevented her from competing extensively on the international junior circuit.
Those challenges continued into professional tennis, where travel, accommodation and coaching expenses can consume much of a player’s earnings.
Success at WTA 125 level provides considerably greater ranking and financial opportunities than the lower-tier ITF tournaments where Tubello has spent much of her career.
Her Curitiba victory also moves her closer to the world’s Top 100, a target that has remained central to her ambitions.
When we spoke in 2024, Tubello hoped to establish herself in Grand Slam qualifying before eventually progressing into the main draws.
Grand Slam qualifying is a certainty now, but main draw direct entry all of a sudden looms large on the horizon.
Two years ago, Alice Tubello was simply grateful to be playing tennis without pain. Today, she is a WTA 125 champion. For a player who has repeatedly been forced to start again, it is a victory worth celebrating.
Continue Reading
- Alice Tubello – The Rising Star of French Tennis: Our Exclusive 2024 Interview
- The Price of a Tennis Dream: Why Professional Tennis Can Cost More Than It Pays
- ITF World Tennis Tour Explained
- The WTA Tour Explained: Tournaments, Rankings & Structure
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