Experience triumphed over youth as top-seeded Polina Kudermetova defeated Filipina sensation Alexandra Eala, and Jodie Anna Burrage outplayed Belgian Sofia Costoulas in the singles semifinals of the 27th Al Habtoor Tennis Challenge at the Habtoor Grand Resort on Saturday.
The 19-year-old Eala, who gained prominence two years ago by winning the Junior US Open title, fought for nearly two hours before succumbing to the more seasoned Kudermetova 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. Earlier, Costoulas, also 19, was overpowered 6-4, 6-3 by the hard-hitting British player, Burrage.
Eala, who has drawn Filipino spectators to all her matches this week, initially held the upper hand against her higher-ranked opponent. Supported by Jim Jimeno, Vice Consul from the Philippines Embassy in Dubai, Eala broke serve early to lead 3-0 in the first set.
After a brief injury break to strap her right knee, Kudermetova rallied, winning the next two games. However, Eala broke her again to secure the set 6-4 in 47 minutes. The Russian top seed, younger sister of former top-10 player Veronika, then took control, dominating from the baseline with power and precision to advance to the final.
"I wasn’t fully present on court during that first set," Kudermetova reflected. "In the second set, I opted for power and a more aggressive approach, which seemed to unsettle Eala and force her into mistakes. Focus is a crucial aspect of my game, and it was there when I needed it."
The 21-year-old, who made her Grand Slam main draw debut at the 2023 Australian Open, feels poised to end the 2024 season with a title. "I’ve never faced Burrage before, but my coach has been monitoring her play this week. I’m eager to rest and prepare for tomorrow’s final, as he provides insights on how to approach her," she said.
Burrage, 25, who reached a career-high WTA singles ranking of 84 in March, is confident in her ability to maintain her form for the final. She hopes to replicate her success in Dubai, where she won the $25,000 ITF tournament in April 2021. "That victory holds a special place in my memory, and I aim to claim another title here," Burrage stated, also looking forward to partnering with Freya Christie in the doubles final.
Sunday’s schedule includes the doubles final at 1 pm, followed by the singles final between Kudermetova and Burrage.
RESULTS: (Singles semifinals) Jodie Anna Burrage bt Sofia Costoulas 6-4, 6-3; Polina Kudermetova bt Alexandra Eala 4-6, 6-2, 6-2. (Doubles semifinals) Anastasia Detiuc/Anastasia Tikhonova bt Tatiana Prozorova/Tara Wurth; Isabelle Haverlag/Elena Pridankina bt Jodie Anna Burrage/Freya Christie 2-6, 6-3, 10-7.
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