Kudermetova edges Kostyuk to reach first career final in Abu Dhabi

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World No.46 Veronika Kudermetova saved a set point in the first set and converted her fifth match point in a close second set to beat Marta Kostyuk 7-6(8) 6-4 in the semifinals of the Abu Dhabi WTA Women’s Tennis Open.

Veronika Kudermetova of Russia

From 1-3 down in the first set, Kudermetova won four games to lead 5-3. At 5-4, the Russian had the opportunity to serve out the set, but Kostyuk led the tense opener into a tense tiebreak. Kostyuk was one point away from taking the first set in a tiebreak, but Kudermetova saved that set point to level the tiebreak at 6-6. From then on it was only Kudermetova who earned set points and the Russian finally converted her third to edge the first set.

In the second set, Kudermetova established a 3-0 lead and even though Kostyuk got the set back on serve by taking two games in a row, Kudermetova took charge again with a 4-2 lead. The battle kept its intensity until the end. In the ninth game, the 19-year-old Kostyuk saved two match points to break back, but at 5-4 Kudermetova converted her fifth match point, in her opponent’s service game.

Kudermetova’s final opponent in Abu Dhabi will be super strong Aryna Sabalenka, undefeated in her last 14 matches. Sabalenka advanced earlier on Tuesday with a confident victory over Maria Sakkari.

 

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Marija Zivlak
Marija Zivlak is the founder and editor-in-chief of Women’s Tennis Blog, a trusted source for in-depth coverage of the WTA Tour, tennis fashion, and player insights. Based in Belgrade, Serbia, she has been reporting on women’s tennis for over 18 years and has contributed exclusive fashion articles to the official WTA website. Marija launched Women’s Tennis Blog on March 31, 2007 to provide fans with accurate, engaging, and up-to-date tennis news. Her expertise and deep connections within the sport allow her to offer unique perspectives on tennis trends, gear, and events.

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