Saint-Malo Open: Stephens beats Svitolina and qualifies for the final

American Sloane Stephens had the last word on Saturday against Ukrainian Elina Svitolina in two tight sets (7-5, 7-6 (5)) to reach the final of the Saint-Malo Open at the Parc des sports de Marville on Saturday. Both players were given invitations by the tournament.

Stephens, ranked No 48, will now play Belgian Greet Minnen for the title.

Earlier in the tournament, the American beat French qualifier Emeline Dartron (6-1, 6-1), lucky loser Freya Christie (6-1, 6-1) and Frenchwoman Jessika Ponchet (6-2, 2-6, 6-1).

Elina Svitolina defeated Greek Despina Papamichail (7-5, 6-1), Belgian Ysaline Bonaventure, the No 4 seed (2-6, 6-4, 7-6 (5)) and Frenchwoman Leolia Jeanjean (6-3, 6-1) in the previous rounds of the Saint-Malo tournament.

Saint-Malo WTA 125K Series, other semi-final result (Parc des sports de Marville, clay, USD 115.000):

• Greet Minnen beat Katie Volynets: 6-3, 6-3