LJUBLJANA/STARNBERG, September 14, 2025
In front of a packed crowd at the Tivoli Tennis Centre, hometown favorite Kaja Juvan captured the singles title at the WTA Zavarovalnica Sava Ljubljana tournament. The 24-year-old from Ljubljana defeated top seed Simona Waltert of Switzerland 6-4, 6-4 in Sunday’s final to lift her first career WTA 125 trophy — and fittingly, it came on home soil.
Juvan did not drop a set all week. She opened her campaign with wins over Switzerland’s Valentina Ryser and Italy’s Giorgia Pedone, before stopping Hungary’s Amarissa Kiara Toth in the quarterfinals. On Saturday, she eased past experienced German Mona Barthel to set up the showdown with Waltert.
In the final, Juvan raced to a 4–1 lead and sealed the first set in 45 minutes. In the second set, after going up 3–1 she had to withstand a surge from Waltert, who reeled off three straight games and threatened to serve for 5–3. “The hardest part was the second set when she came back,” Juvan said. “It feels like you’re close, but not close enough. Players like her hit hard, step into the court and serve solidly — it’s tough to stay consistent. I think the key was saving that point for 3–5. After that I told myself just enjoy it, and it worked.” Juvan won the last three games to close out the match after 1 hour 27 minutes.
On an emotional trophy presentation, she dedicated the moment to her late father. “This is without doubt one of the most beautiful moments of my career,” she said. “It’s not about how big the tournament is, but about playing at home, with people coming to watch and support me — that means so much. Even if I hadn’t won today, I’d still be proud. This victory is a great springboard for what’s ahead.”
The WTA Zavarovalnica Sava Ljubljana also celebrated its fifth anniversary in style. WTA Supervisor Madison Shoemaker presented Tournament Director Tea Starc with a special plaque honoring the event’s first five years. For the first time in the tournament’s history, it produced a Slovenian singles champion.
“On behalf of the whole team, I sincerely thank everyone who was part of this unforgettable tennis story,” Starc said. “Congratulations to Kaja and Simona for an excellent final, and to all the players who showed top-level tennis and true sportsmanship throughout the week. Ljubljana enjoyed world-class tennis at the Tivoli courts and we’re proud to have hosted you. Thanks to our sponsors, partners, volunteers, officials and my golden team — without them this tournament wouldn’t be possible. And thank you to the fans whose energy created such a special atmosphere. Until next year — thank you, and see you again!”
