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Krueger downs Noskova to reach Abu Dhabi final / Photo: © AFP
Krueger downs Noskova to reach Abu Dhabi final
American Ashlyn Krueger reached the biggest final of her career with a 7-6 (7/2), 6-4 victory over Linda Noskova at the Abu Dhabi Open on Friday.
The world number 51 had battled through a trio of tough three-setters in her opening three matches in the UAE capital but needed just one hour and 42 minutes to overcome Noskova in straight sets in their semi-final clash.
Krueger, 20, will make her top-50 debut when the new rankings are released next week and has credited the work she has been doing with her coach Michael Joyce for her recent success on court.
"It feels amazing. I'm so happy to do it here in Abu Dhabi," said Krueger.
"I think just really believing in my game, my coach and I have worked so long recently on a lot of things, but just believing what I'm working on."
In the first ever meeting between the two players, Krueger recovered from a 2-4 deficit in the opening set and went up a double-break in the second to put herself in a strong position to close out the contest.
The Texan couldn't convert a match point in the eighth game of the second set, as Noskova fought back and broke for 3-5 but Krueger served out the win at the second time of asking to reach a maiden WTA 500-level final.
Krueger will face either defending champion and top seed Elena Rybakina or 2023 champion Belinda Bencic in Saturday's final.
N. Nilsson--BTZ
