Vesnina edges Anne in Auckland thriller
Young Russian wins marathon three-set semi-final…
Anne Keothavong’s bid to reach her first Sony Ericsson WTA Tour final was ended by Russian Elena Vesnina in Auckland on Friday.
Vesnina fought back after losing the first set to edge the marathon two hour, 56-minute semi-final 6-7(3), 6-1 7-5.
The British No.1 recovered from 5-3 down to take the first set on a tie-break, before Vesnina found her range to level the match at one set all.
“I’m obviously really disappointed about today’s result but I’m not going to beat myself up about it”
The Russian enjoyed a slice of luck on the Keothavong serve at 5-5 in the decider when a netcord at deuce helped secure the decisive break.
Keothavong hung on until the very end, saving four match points at 5-6, only for Vesnina to finally wrap the match up with an unreturnable serve.
The victory earns the 22-year-old Russian a place in her first WTA Tour final. She will take on top seed Elena Dementieva on Saturday after the Olympic champion cruised past Frenchwoman Aravane Rezai 6-2, 6-2 in the other semi.
Friday’s result brought to an end what has been another excellent week for the British world No.60 on the main WTA Tour – and a positive start to her 2009 season.
The 25-year-old Londoner scored three impressive wins on her way to her second Sony Ericsson WTA Tour semi-final and will be well on her way to her next world ranking target – a place in the top 50 – when the new listing is updated on Monday.
“I’m obviously really disappointed about today’s result but I’m not going to beat myself up about it,” Anne said.
“It was a big match for both of us for a place in the final and I guess there were a lot of nerves out there and I got quite emotional because I wanted it badly.
“There are lots of things I could’ve done better but what’s done is done now and I need to regroup and get ready for my next tournament in Hobart which starts on Sunday.”
Keothavong will now move on to Australia where she will play the Moorilla Hobart International. The $220,000 tournament is her final event before her main draw debut at the Australian Open, which kicks off on January 19.
Come back over the weekend for news of her first round opponent in Hobart.
- Highlights of Anne’s semi-final against Vesnina are to be shown on Eurosport on Friday morning and again on Friday evening. Click here for details.
Friday results
(1) Elena Dementieva (RUS) d. Aravane Rezai (FRA) 6-2, 6-2
Elena Vesnina (RUS) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 6-7(3), 6-1, 7-5