Wang puts positive spin on Berlin loss

It marked the first time that Wang has racked up four straight top-20 wins during one tournament, including her first upset of a top-two player in Gauff, who herself just collected a second major title by beating world No 1 Aryna Sabalenka at Roland Garros two weeks ago.

Wang has also become the first ever Chinese woman to reach the final of a WTA 500 grass-court tournament, after retired stars Li Na, Zheng Jie and veteran Zhang Shuai all made it that far on grass at the WTA 250 level.

"After all, it was my first final ever. So, I've gained a lot in terms of big-game experience," said Wang, who's decided to skip this week's WTA 500 Bad Homburg Open to prepare for her fourth main draw appearance at Wimbledon.

"Sometimes, we always pay too much attention to the matches we lose, regretting certain moments where we don't do well.

"But, I've realized it's even more important to focus on the positives. I just want to remind myself how well I played this past week, focus on that and enjoy the rest of the grass-court season."

Wang's "dream week", however, almost ended before it got started.

Due to an unidentified health issue, Wang revealed that she'd almost decided to retire before her first qualifying match against Aussie youngster Talia Gibson, only to be persuaded by her team to play on.

"They (my team members) literally pushed me back out there (in the first qualifying round) when I was walking toward the net, thinking: 'That's it, it's not my day.'

"But, they persuaded me to get back out there and play. And it all proved worthwhile," said Wang, who reached the round of 16 at Wimbledon last year to mark her best run at the grass-court major.

Following her semifinal win, the Chinese Tennis Association sent Wang a congratulatory letter, hailing her deep run in Berlin as a proof that "anything is possible" for Chinese tennis.

"From qualifiers to the final appearance, Wang has displayed the spirit, resilience and confidence of Chinese athletes throughout the journey. We extended our warmest congratulations on your breakthrough, and hope you stay focused and dedicated for the next challenge," the CTA letter read.

"Whatever results lie ahead, you've proved that nothing is impossible with Chinese tennis. Hopefully, together with your fellow compatriots on the pro circuit, you will help Chinese tennis usher in a splendid new era."