Russia’s Elena Vesnina has defeated No. 8 seed Sloane Stephens in a dazzling semi-final performance to book her spot at her first final in six appearances at the Moorilla Hobart International.
Vesnina, the world No. 68, had a dream start to her only round of four appearance since 2011 when she raced to a 5-0 lead against her American opponent. Stephens, who reached a career high ranking of 29 in January this year to make her the youngest woman in the WTA top 50, had difficulty finding her rhythm with several unforced errors in the first, giving Vesnina the opportunity to serve for the set after only 19 minutes.
“We played a close game. I played well on the break points and that was why the score went my way. She is a very dangerous player, she’s young and upcoming. I’m really happy to win in two sets and I’m pleased with my game today,” the Russian said post-match.
Stephens opened the door to get back into the match after breaking Vesnina with powerful ground strokes in the late stages of the first. She continued to hold serve bringing the score of the opening set to 5-2 and putting pressure on the Russian to serve it out for the second time. Vesnina rose to the occasion advancing with a solid service game to take the first set 6-2 in 34 minutes.
Both players had an impressive lead up to the tournament with Stephens progressing to the quarterfinal of the Brisbane International last week only to be defeated by her mentor and former world No. 1 Serena Williams. Vesnina also advanced to the quarterfinals in Auckland but was also defeated by the eventual champion Agnieszka Radwanska 6-3 6-3.
The tournament’s eighth seed looked out of sorts at the commencement of the second, hitting several balls wide to allow the Russian to take a 2-0 lead. Vesnina over powered her 19-year-old opponent with strong ground strokes from the baseline and a sheer determination that was not mirrored from a defeated looking Stephens.
At 2-1 the American called for her coach looking for a way back into the match. She came back onto court powering her forehands down the line and attempting to throw the Russian off her game. Still a break up, the 26-year-old looked in confident form as she stormed forward eventually getting the double break and a chance to serve for the match at 5-2. The powerful right-hander threw an ace down the line to take the set 6-2 booking a place in the final.
Despite a tired performance from Stephens, she has been touted by Serena Williams as a future World No. 1 and will be one to watch at the upcoming Australian Open.
The Russian will tomorrow meet the winner of tonight’s match between 2012 champion Mona Barthel and Belgium’s gutsy Kirtsen Flipkens.
“I’m happy to be in the final. Hopefully tomorrow it will be my time,” she added.
By Rosie Jones