Anisimova upsets top seed Zheng to make Queen’s final

American Amanda Anisimova, the No 8 seed, edged out Chinese Qinwen Zheng, the top seed, 6-2, 4-6, 6-4 to advance to the final of the HSBC Championships at Queen’s Club in London on Saturday afternoon.

Anisimova, ranked No 15, will face German qualifier Tatjana Maria next. It’s her first grass-court final and second final of the year, having won the Doha title in March.

“I’m so happy to be through this match,” said Anisimova, who had lost both her previous matches with Zheng. “I’d never gotten the win over her before.

“She’s a great player, she always manages to raise her level, especially in the second set. I knew I had to adjust a little bit. I’m proud of the way I was able to stay focused and fight my way through.”

Earlier in the tournament, the American beat wildcard Jodie Burrage (4-6, 6-3, 6-4), wildcard Sonay Kartal (6-1, 6-3) and No 3 seed Emma Navarro (6-3, 6-3).

Zheng, ranked No 5, edged out American McCartney Kessler (6-3, 4-6, 7-5) and won against wildcard Emma Raducanu (6-2, 6-4) in the previous rounds of the Queen’s tournament.

London WTA 500, other semi-final result (Queen’s Club, grass, USD 1.415.000):

• Tatjana Maria beat Madison Keys (2): 6-3, 7-6 (3)