STUTTGART, Germany — Latvia’s Jelena Ostapenko powered into the Stuttgart Grand Prix closing on Sunday with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over fellow unseeded participant Ekaterina Alexandrova.
The 27-year-old will meet world No. 1 Aryna Sabalenka, who labored arduous for a 7-5, 6-4 victory in opposition to Italy’s Jasmine Paolini to achieve her fourth closing in 5 years.
Ostapenko, who surprised five-time Grand Slam champion Iga Swiatek earlier within the quarterfinals, obtained off to a powerful begin in opposition to Alexandrova with a break within the first sport. She was damaged straight again however earned one other one rapidly to go 4-2 up.
“I do not know however I really feel wonderful enjoying right here,” Ostapenko mentioned. “So pumped up. These sorts of matches, successful three units, provides you confidence. … I’m very pleased with myself.”
Alexandrova struggled together with her opponent’s thundering groundstrokes, and particularly her forehand.
Sabalenka, a three-time finalist in Stuttgart between 2021-23, jumped to a 3-0 lead within the first set, however Paolini fought again earlier than shedding 7-5.
The tables have been turned within the second with the diminutive Italian punishing a sloppy Sabalenka to guide 3-0. Sabalenka, nevertheless, clawed again to tie it at 3, and he or she fired a sensational crosscourt forehand winner on her first match level to seal victory.
“She makes me work, work for each level,” Sabalenka mentioned of Paolini. “It’s arduous to get the win. I used to be simply making an attempt to remain aggressive, to place as a lot strain on her.”
Reuters contributed to this report.
