DAIRA Kasatkina of Russia advanced to the final of the WTA Charleston Open clay court tournament on Saturday after a three-set semi-final win over American top seed Jessica Pegula.
Kasatkina, who needed a lengthy medical break in the third set, booked her place in Sunday’s final after winning 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) in 2 hours 45 minutes against house hope Pegula.
The fourth-seeded Russian finished his semifinal match with his right leg wrapped in thick bandages after a grueling battle against his opponent.
Kasatkina appeared to be in trouble in the final set tie-break after Pegula took a 3-1 lead.
However, the 26-year-old – who won the Charleston title in 2017 – showed great courage to bounce back and take control.
She moved towards doubles match point at 6-4 in the tie break after Pegula hit it back into the net.
Pegula saved the first point of the match after Kasatkina sent a long forehand, but the Russian made no mistake on the next point, firing a superb crosscourt forehand past her opponent to seal the win.
Kasatkina will meet either third seed Maria Sakkari or Danielle Collins in Sunday’s final. (AFP/Z-3)
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