Kasatkina battles past Pegula to reach Charleston final

AFP | Charleston                                               

The Daily Tribune – www.newsofbahrain.com

Russia’s Daria Kasatkina advanced to the final of the WTA Charleston Open clay court tournament on Saturday after a three-set semi-final victory over top-seeded American Jessica Pegula.

Kasatkina, who needed a lengthy medical timeout in the third set, booked her place in the final after prevailing 6-4, 4-6, 7-6 (7/5) in 2hr 45min against home hope Pegula.

The Russian fourth seed finished the semi-final with her right leg heavily strapped after a gruelling scrap against her opponent.

Kasatkina looked to be in trouble in the final set tie-break after Pegula raced into a 3-1 lead. But the 26-year-old –- who won the Charleston crown in 2017 -– showed great courage to rally back and take control.

She moved to double match point at 6-4 in the tie-break after Pegula smacked a return into the net. Pegula saved the first match point after Kasatkina hit a forehand long, but the Russian made no mistake on the next point, whipping a superb crosscourt forehand beyond her opponent to seal victory.

The defeat marked a disappointing end to the tournament for Pegula, who had advanced to the last four after an incredible Houdini act in the quarter-finals when she saved four match points before squeezing past Victoria Azarenka.