First WTA 1000 Final 🔥 @LiudaSamsonova defeats Rybakina 1-6, 6-1, 6-2 to advance to her very first WTA 1000 final and face off against Pegula later today. #NBO23
Samsonova’s Masterful Performance Sends Rybakina Packing, Secures Spot at Canadian Open final
WTASunday, 13 August 2023 at 21:28
Liudmila
Samsonova ended Elena Rybakina's journey at the Canadian Open and sets up a
final clash with Jessica Pegula.
The
semifinal match was originally scheduled for the afternoon of Saturday, a
couple of hours after the match between Pegula and Swiatek. However, rain
prevented Elena Rybakina and Ludmila Samsonova from playing. Despite waiting
until the last moment, it was decided that they would play on Sunday, just
hours before the final.
Rybakina
reached the semifinals by overcoming a tough path, defeating Jennifer Brady,
Sloane Stephens, and Daria Kasatkina. Her quarterfinal match against the
Russian player was decided in a third-set tie-break, with Rybakina saving a
match point against her in what was one of the best matches of the year.
Samsonova
arrived in great form, registering victories against strong opponents like
Katerina Siniakova, Zheng Qinwen, Aryna Sabalenka, and Belinda Bencic. Her last
two matches were played with only a few hours of difference due to weather
conditions that led to match suspensions.
A strong
start from Rybakina allowed her to take the lead, and Samsonova only managed to
win her first service game. After a 1-1 tie, Rybakina won five consecutive
games, including two breaks, and took the set in just 29 minutes with a score
of 6-1.
In the
second set, the story completely changed. Rybakina had an erratic set, and both
players secured an early break to make it 2-1 in favor of Samsonova.
The former
Wimbledon champion then lost six consecutive games, allowing her opponent to
win the set 6-1 and take the advantage going into the deciding set. In total,
Rybakina lost four consecutive service games between the second and third sets.
Samsonova's
first serve percentage improved from 50% and 30% points won in the first set to
58% accuracy and 72% points won in the second set. On the other hand,
Rybakina's first serve accuracy dropped from 58% and 73% points won in the
first set to only 39% accuracy and 56% points won in the second set.
With an
early break, Samsonova took a 2-0 lead and managed to hold her serve for the
rest of the set. Another break in her favor in the seventh game was enough to
secure her victory with a convincing score of 1-6, 6-1, 6-2.
Samsonova
will have less than two hours to recover physically and step back onto the
center court to play in the tournament final against world No. 3 Jessica
Pegula, who surprised Iga Swiatek yesterday.
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