Indian Wells (California), March 17 (IANS) Russia's Daria Kasatkina won a dramatic semi-final against American Venus Williams after coming back from a set down at the Indian Wells Masters here.
The 20-year-old overcame her illustrious opponent 4-6, 6-4, 7-5 in two hours and 49 minutes to qualify for Sunday's final, where she will face Japan's Naomi Osaka, who stunned world number 1 Simona Halep of Romania in straight sets 6-3, 6-0 in another semi-final, reports Efe.
Kasatkina's victory over Williams was her fourth in a row against major open champions this year at Indian Wells, after she beat Sloane Stephens, Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki, without dropping a set.
The Russian's cool and calm performance, particularly when taking advantage of Venus' errors late in the third set, including two double faults at 5-5, belied her age and inexperience, and allowed her to seal her place in the biggest final of her young career.
"I have become more mature, I am more confident on the court, and even in difficult situations I can find a way to keep going," Kasatkina said.
--IANS
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