Kudermetova emerges victorious after intense battle with Pavlyuchenkova and earns final spot at Pan Pacific Open
WTA
Veronika
Kudermetova defeated Anastasia Pavlyuchenkova 7-6(6), 6-7(2), 6-3 to advance to the
final of the WTA 500 Toray Pan Pacific Open in Tokyo, Japan.
Kudermetova,
ranked 19th, came into the match with confidence after defeating the first seed
Iga Swiatek (2nd) in the quarterfinals in a three-set battle. Swiatek had
previously held a 4-0 head-to-head advantage over Kudermetova, losing only 10
games in their eight previous sets played, but this time it was the Russian who
prevailed.
Since the
return of hardcourt tournaments (following Wimbledon), Kudermetova had
experienced inconsistent form, with just two wins in seven matches. She was
seeking the opportunity to play in the seventh final of her career.
Ranked 86th
in the world, Pavlyuchenkova had defeated Donna Vekic (20th), Linda Noskova
(44th), and Ekaterina Aleksandrova (21st) on her way to the semifinals, marking
her first appearance in the semifinals of a tournament since losing in the 2021
French Open final to Barbora Krejcikova.
Both
players held their serves without major issues in the early part of the first
set, with Pavlyuchenkova breaking in the sixth game to take a 4-2 lead.
However, Kudermetova quickly responded with a break of her own and leveled the
score at 4-4.
Pavlyuchenkova
had five set points with Kudermetova serving at 5-4, but Kudermetova managed to
extend the set and eventually won it in a tie-break, 7-6(6), after 78 minutes.
The second
set saw both players holding their serves, but Pavlyuchenkova took a 3-1 lead
with a break. Despite Pavlyuchenkova appearing to have control on her serve,
Kudermetova broke back, winning three consecutive games to go up 5-4.
After that,
both players held their serves and reached the second tie-break. In the
decisive tie-break, Pavlyuchenkova was more effective with her forehand and won
it 7-2.
The third
set was a nerve-wracking battle in which Pavlyuchenkova held a 3-2 lead.
However, Kudermetova won the next four games in a row, including two breaks,
and ultimately took the match 7-6(6), 6-7(2), 6-3
Despite the
loss, Pavlyuchenkova leaves the tournament with a positive outlook on her
improved WTA ranking and will be ranked 62nd in the world starting next week.
The Russian had been outside the top 700 just six months ago and has shown that
at 32 years old, she can still compete at a high level.
In the
final, Kudermetova will face the winner of the match between the second seed
Jessica Pegula (4th) and the fourth seed Maria Sakkari (6th). Kudermetova has
one career title, which she won at the 2021 Charleston Open, and has reached
four consecutive finals since then.
Cristhián AvilaTennis Journalist
Cristhián Ávila is a tennis journalist based in Santiago, Chile, and has been part of the TennisUpToDate team since early 2023. He covers the ATP and WTA Tours as well as all four Grand Slams, producing breaking news, match reports, analysis, and regular liveblogs from major tournaments.
His reporting combines statistical analysis with clear explanation, helping readers understand tactical developments, player form, and broader storylines across the tour. Working fluently in both Spanish and English, Cristhián collaborates with an international editorial team and contributes to comprehensive global coverage. As part of his work, he has conducted interviews and media interactions with leading figures in the sport, including Caroline Wozniacki and John McEnroe.
In his journalism, Cristhián places strong emphasis on careful sourcing, editorial accuracy, and updating articles promptly when new, verified information becomes available. His coverage is grounded in research, context, and direct engagement with professional tennis.
claps 0visitors 0
Just In
Popular News
Latest Comments
- Can't help but suspect Vukov is back to his old self again. Thank you, WTA. Perhaps you can give them a "Battling Couple of the Year Award 2026" ??
mandoist08-11-2026 - Wtf? Why is there no reason? And what about the men's?Bel08-11-2026
- One step by another step -- WTA continues to 'lose the plot'. Too many hi-tech microphones being installed at most venues!!! Remove them (especially those along the hallways, sidewalks, and pathways throughout the venues. Not to mention (most of all) remove the mic's from the Players/Coaches Box.mandoist06-11-2026
- Enough of her bullshit. Go marry someone.mandoist06-11-2026
- Don't you just love this young lady!? We fans often expect athletes to be supermen and superwomen, often forgetting that they WILL GET TIRED! I love Alex's perspective. Tiredness for an athlete should never be viewed as a negative, especially if you are healthy, taking care of your body and mental health and putting in the work. What a mature perspective. Good for you, Alex!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Jess is absolutely correct! But the disrespect is a trait I have noticed in most of the Russian players. Mirra is good but very immature and lacks humility. Conceivable needs to get a handle on that!Rapunzel05-11-2026
- Having spent weeks and weeks through the years on tour, I can say with confidence that Conchita was (is) one of the very few who realize the surprising level of maturity (and sometimes lack of) which Mirra seems to have developed in such a demanding adult world of Pro-Tennis. While at the same time reminding herself (Conchita, that is) that Mirra is still young and developing mentally and physically. The general public may forget at times, or not at all realize, these modern era young athletes do not have a 'normal' Youth. It's a major sacrifice, among countless sacrifices, these athletes must make. People who blow-off that fact are ignorant and unfair when they blurt out, "They choose fame so they have to put up with the intrusions on their lives". No, they do not.mandoist05-11-2026
- Okay... someone with a camera was EAVESDROPPING on a private conversation. Shouldn't that be the point of discussion here? Regardless of the sensationalist crap by media, Pegula (and anyone) has a right to an opinion. There used to be an expectation that private conversations were respected, regardless of 'stardom' and whatever other defensive excuses media tries to shove in our faces. Boo-hoo if feelings are hurt. BTW: Having been employed at various tourney venues, etc., I can't tell you how nasty and offensive players can be when discussing their opponents and colleagues... in "private". Well, I could, but won't. I also challenge anyone to deny what Jessica said is false.mandoist05-11-2026
- Vacherot is Mongasque, rather than Swiss. The tournament was Swiss :DTrwd7702-11-2026
- After a couple decades traveling to IIHF tourneys overseas... our family is done with it... and I will not be the only one!! Bad enough the NHL allows Ovachenko (a Putin Supporter and Campaigner) to live and play in the USA. Let's not forget the STATE SPONSORED RUSSIAN DOPING PROGRAMS still in effect today.mandoist31-10-2026
