The Hobart International has a proud history as being a tournament where many young stars have made major breakthroughs.
But this year it is a 29-year-old from Romania who has been the tournament’s sensation.
Now Mihaela Buzarnescu is into the first WTA final of her career after upsetting No.5 seed Lesia Tsurenko 6-2 6-2 in tonight’s semifinals.
“I was dreaming about it of course, but I never expected it,” Buzarnescu said. “I mean, I am not young. I am 29. Who would expect this at 29?”
The start of the match was delayed by rain, which Buzarnescu admitted added to her nerves ahead of only her second WTA semifinal appearance.
But Buzarnescu showed no signs of nerves against a misfiring Tsurenko, who finished with 39 unforced errors.
“I just tried to play, play, play. That’s all,” Buzarnescu said.
The world No.57, who is projected to rise to a new career-high of No.44 next week, plays defending champion Elise Mertens in tomorrow’s final.
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“She’s a tough player, she’s been playing really well since last year here,” Buzarnescu said. “I just want to play a good game and do the best I can do.”