In the Washington Open semi-finals, Emma Raducanu of Great Britain was defeated by Anna Kalinskaya of Russia with a score of 6-4, 6-3.
The 22-year-old, whose performance in the United States guarantees her return to the British number one ranking, taking it from Katie Boulter, delivered five aces early in the match but was unable to capitalize on any of her four opportunities for a break point.
Kalinskaya, who is ranked 48th globally, two positions below Raducanu, took advantage by securing a break in the ninth game, ultimately claiming the first set.
Both players exchanged breaks early in the second set before the 26-year-old Russian once again gained the upper hand, establishing a lead that proved insurmountable and breaking again to secure the victory.
“It was a captivating match. It’s a pleasure to compete against Emma,” stated Kalinskaya, who is aiming to secure her inaugural WTA 500 title. “I am pleased with my performance. I maintained an aggressive approach and adhered to my strategy.”
In Sunday’s final, Kalinskaya will face Leylah Fernandez, after the Canadian player overcame third seed Elena Rybakina of Kazakhstan in an intense match that featured three tie-breaks.
Fernandez, who Raducanu defeated to claim her US Open title in 2021, emerged victorious with a score of 6-7 (2-7), 7-6 (7-3), 7-6 (7-3) after three hours and 12 minutes of play.
In the men’s competition, Alex de Minaur of Australia secured a 6-4, 6-3 semi-final win over Corentin Moutet, a lucky loser from France.
In the final, De Minaur will face Alejandro Davidovich Fokina of Spain, after the 12th seed defeated Ben Shelton of America, the fourth seed, with a score of 6-2, 7-5.
