Emma Raducanu's run at the Washington Open came to an end on Saturday as she was defeated 6-4, 6-3 by Anna Kalinskaya in the semi-finals. The Briton, who had not dropped a set all tournament, struggled to contain the aggressive play of the Russian world No 48.
Kalinskaya secured the first break of the match to lead 5-4 in the opening set and served it out, handing Raducanu her first lost set of the week. In the second set, both players exchanged early breaks before Kalinskaya pulled ahead decisively, breaking again to seal the win and advance to the final.
“It was an interesting match. It’s nice to play against Emma,” Kalinskaya said. “I’m proud of myself. I stayed aggressive and stuck to my plan.” She will face Leylah Fernandez in Sunday's final, denying fans a rematch of the 2021 US Open final between Raducanu and Fernandez.
Fernandez earlier came from a set down to defeat third seed Elena Rybakina 6-7(2), 7-6(3), 7-6(3) in a marathon lasting three hours and 12 minutes. Rybakina served for the match at 5-4 in the second set but could not close it out, allowing Fernandez to rally and win the final two tiebreaks.
“She is such a fighter, she plays incredibly and never gives up,” Kalinskaya said of Fernandez. “I played a tough battle against her a while ago. Tomorrow, I think it’s going to be the same, and I’m excited.” Kalinskaya will aim to capture her first WTA 500 title in the final.
