Zheng Qinwen of China returns a shot against Veronika Kudermetova of Russia during their singles semifinal match in the Pan Pacific Open tennis championships at Ariake Colosseum on Sept 24, 2022 in Tokyo. (EUGENE HOSHIKO / AP)
TOKYO - China's rising star Zheng Qinwen knocked out Russian fourth seed Veronika Kudermetova 5-7, 6-3, 7-6 (3) to reach her first WTA 500 final at the Pan Pacific Open on Saturday.
Zheng was overturned by Kudermetova from a 4-1 lead in the first set but then stormed back in the three-hour thriller.
The 19-year-old has become the second teenager to advance to the WTA 500 final or higher event this season after American Coco Gauff at Roland Garros.
Zheng Qinwen, 19, has become the second teenager to advance to the WTA 500 final or higher event this season after American Coco Gauff at Roland Garros
"It was a great feeling to win this match, every point I took today was very difficult and important, Kudermetova played very well in the first set, she did a great job on serve and baseline," said Zheng. "This is my first WTA 500 final, I'm really happy."
ALSO READ: Zheng Qinwen, Yuan Yue advance into US Open last 32
The youngster, who had expressed her desire to become the world's top 30 earlier in the season, has now reached world No.28 in the live ranking.
Veronika Kudermetova of Russia serves against Zheng Qinwen of China during their singles semifinal match in the Pan Pacific Open tennis championships at Ariake Colosseum on Sept 24, 2022, in Tokyo. (EUGENE HOSHIKO / AP)
Zheng will next meet Liudmila Samsonova of Russia, who eliminated her compatriot Zhang Shuai 7-6(4), 6-2 earlier, to pursue the most important title in her career so far.
The 23-year-old Samsonova, who had claimed two titles in her last three tournaments, fired 13 aces and 40 winners to beat Zhang.
READ MORE: China's Zheng eliminated from National Bank Open quarterfinals
After this win, Samsonova has taken 17 victories in recent 18 matches this season, only losing to Ajla Tomljanovic of Australia at the US Open.
