Kalinskaya downs Raducanu to reach a maiden final in Washington

Russian Anna Kalinskaya advanced to the final of the Washington Open by winning against Englishwoman Emma Raducanu 6-4, 6-3 at the William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center on Saturday.

Kalinskaya overcame Raducanu in 96 minutes and qualified for her first title clash in Washington.

Raducanu produced better numbers on serve as she hit six aces and averaged 61 percent on first serve landings to Kalinskaya’s two and 58 percent, however, the Russian remained solid in defence.

She saved her serve five times and broke the Brit four times, averaging 64 percent on the second return.

“I had a good result in 2019 [semi-final],” the winner said after the match. “I had so many matches in 2019, playing from the qualifying. Maybe, this tournament, I guess, is a lucky one. So, hopefully, tomorrow it’s gonna be still lucky.”

Kalinskaya, ranked No 48, will play Canadian Leylah Fernandez next. Fernandez holds a 1-0 lead over the Russian in the head-to-head.

Earlier in the tournament, the Russian defeated Dane Clara Tauson, the No 4 seed (6-3, 7-5), Pole Magda Linette, the No 8 seed (6-4, 6-0) and qualifier Kamilla Rakhimova (6-2, 6-3).

Raducanu, ranked No 46, beat Greek wildcard Maria Sakkari (6-4, 7-5), Japanese wildcard Naomi Osaka (6-4, 6-2) and Ukrainian Marta Kostyuk, the No 7 seed (7-6 (4), 6-4) in the previous rounds of the Washington tournament.

Washington WTA 500, other semi-final result (William H.G. FitzGerald Tennis Center, hard, USD 1.282.951):

• Leylah Fernandez beat Elena Rybakina (3): 6-7 (2), 7-6 (3), 7-6 (3)

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