In the semifinals of the Washington Open, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya defeated Britain’s Emma Raducanu 6-4 6-3.
The 22-year-old’s run in the United States ensured she would regain the UK No. 1 from Katie Boulter, but he had long won five ACEs but couldn’t transform any of her four breakpoint opportunities.
Kalinskaya ranked two places below Raducanu in the world 48th and won the first set in Game 9 and took a break from Game 9 for the big game.
The two exchanged early breaks in the second set before the 26-year-old Russian led again, leading, proved decisive and broke through again to win.
“It’s a fun game. It’s so nice to play against Emma,” said Kalinskaya, whose goal is to win her first WTA 500 title. “I’m proud of myself. I’ve kept a positive attitude and stuck to my plans.”
Kalinskaya will face Leylah Fernandez in Sunday’s final as the Canadian eliminated Kazakhstan’s third seed Elena Rybakina in three of the three including the matches.
Fernandez beat her U.S. Open title in 2021, and he won 6-7 (2-7) 7-6 (7-3) 7-3 (7-3) after three hours and 12 minutes.
In the men’s match, Australia’s Alex de Minaur won a 6-4 6-3 semi-final victory, beating France’s lucky loser Corentin Moutet.
De Minaur will play Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the final after the 12th seed beat Ben Shelton 6-2 7-5.
