Friedsam and Kenin set up Open 6éme Sens final

The 1st semifinal in Lyon was played between Friedsam and Daria Kasatkina. Both players played well so far and both were looking to advance to the final. A tough match was expected and the Lyon crowd got exactly that. Friedsam started the match off in better fashion and it allowed her to win the 1st set 6-3. It was a lot closer than the result suggested as Friedsam conveyed the only break point she had.

The Russian managed to battle back in the 2nd set. Both players played considerable worse than in the 1st set. Friedsam's serve fell off a cliff and she surrendered multiple breaks to give Kasatkina the 6-3 2nd set victory. She recovered and completely dominated in the 3rd set. Kasatkina looked depleted and her serving struggles gave Friedsam the easy 6-2 victory.

Sofia Kenin has had a curious run in Lyon so far which featured a lot of good tennis but also quite a bit of missed opportunities. For this match, she would need a much better performance, especially in those key points. The 1st was a hard-fought battle by both tennis players. Both, broke each other's serve twice early on after which they became more focused and held their serve. It had to end in a tiebreak and it was Kenin who was more composed. She won it 7-5 due to good play in key moments.

She didn't quite replicate that same level early in the 2nd set. Allowing her opponent an early break and a 3-1 lead wasn't part of the plan. Van Uytvanck would hold it until 5-4 when the American struck back. It was a valiant effort by the American who took advantage of the last chance she had in that set. She would earn a tiebreak but in it completely crumble to give her opponent the 2nd set.

The 3rd set started with both players winning their opening games albeit Kenin was more dominant. They continued to play a close match with both being superb on their own services through the majority of the set. Late in the set, Kenin found herself in a bit of trouble facing two break points which essentially would have been match points. She saved them and won the game. Alison Van Uytvanck responded and we were headed for a 3rd tiebreak.

In it Kenin was superb and she strung together numerous points of Alisson's serve to give herself a 7-2 tiebreak and ultimately match victory.

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