By Alberto Amalfi | Saturday, July 23, 2016
Qualifier Katerina Siniakova upset defending champion Johanna Larsson, 7-5, 6-1, to set up a Bastad final against sixth-seeded Laura Siegemund.
Photo credit: Linda Carlsson/Ericsson Open
Katerina Siniakova continued her dream run in Bastad.
The 92nd-ranked qualifier upset defending Bastad champion Johanna Larsson, 7-5, 6-1, to advance to her first WTA final at the Ericsson Open.
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The 20-year-old Czech saved 11 of 14 break points in a 99-minute victory. It was Siniakova's fifth straight win, including two victories in qualifying.
Siniakova upset second-seeded Sara Errani, 7-6 (2), 6-3, in Friday's quarterfinals. She will face Laura Siegemund in tomorrow's final.
In today's all-German semifinal, Siegemund held a 4-6, 6-3, 4-0 lead over Julia Goerges when the world No. 73 retired with injury.
"Well I think it was a very good match from both of us," Siegemund said. "She started very strong in the first set and I had to make some adjustments. And I think the second half of the first and the second set was quite some good tennis at times. In the second set, she made some more errors probably also because of her injury. Sad that it has this kind of ending.
"I had to step it up. I went much more aggressive," Siegemund said. "There was no putting the ball in, it was crushing every time. I played way more aggressive. I know I can change it, so I did. I deserved to come back."
The 28-year-old Siegemund, who was runner-up to Angelique Kerber in Stuttgart in April, will play for her first WTA title tomorrow.
Siegemund dreams of a breakthrough, but hopes to get some sleep first.
"It very much depends on the partying in the loft. If there's a party going on I might not fall asleep that easy," Siegemund joked. "It's a great achievement for me. I'm very happy whatever happens happens tomorrow. We're trying to play some good tennis and have some fun out there."