In a gripping semifinal showdown at the Washington Open, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya produced a commanding performance to defeat British star Emma Raducanu 6–4 6–3, dashing hopes of a long-awaited Raducanu-Fernandez rematch. Kalinskaya will now face Canada’s Leylah Fernandez in what promises to be an electrifying final.
Both Kalinskaya and Raducanu started strong, exchanging powerful baseline rallies. However, it was Kalinskaya who earned the crucial break at 5–4 in the first set and confidently closed it out, handing Raducanu her first lost set of the tournament. The second set saw an initial exchange of service breaks, but Kalinskaya’s relentless pressure helped her pull ahead again, sealing a straight-set victory.
“It’s always a pleasure to play against Emma,” said Kalinskaya, currently ranked World No. 48. “I’m really proud of how I stayed aggressive and stuck to my game plan throughout the match.”
The win puts Kalinskaya in contention for her first WTA 500 title. Awaiting her in the final is Leylah Fernandez, who staged a gutsy comeback in a three-hour, twelve-minute thriller to overcome third seed Elena Rybakina.
Fernandez dropped the first set in a tight tiebreak but showed her trademark resilience in the second. Although she lost her serve early, she capitalized on Rybakina’s missed chance to close out the match at 5–4. Fernandez then held her nerve in the second tiebreak to level the match. The third set was a test of endurance and composure, with neither player dropping serve. Fernandez gradually gained the edge and eventually sealed the victory, reaching her first final of the season.
“Every time I face Rybakina, it’s a battle,” Fernandez remarked after the win. “Today was no different. I’m thrilled to be in the final and excited to face Anna again.”
In the men’s draw, Frenchman Corentin Moutet is set to face Australia’s Alex de Minaur in one semifinal, while American fan-favorite Ben Shelton will clash with Spain’s Alejandro Davidovich Fokina in the other.