Veronika Kudermetova, the world #46 Russian tennis pro after beating Elina Svitolina of Ukraine in the Round of 8 tie which was extended to the third set, faced Marta Kostyuk, the 18-year old tennis beauty from Ukraine (WTA world #99) in the semi-final of the Abu Dhabi Open 2021.
After a dramatic first set which went onto a tie-breaker and showed some sensational and impressive game sense from Marta Kostyuk as her fast movement and razor-sharp reflexes deserved a big round of applause but the game significantly ended up with Veronika Kudermetova winning the set 7¹⁰ – 6⁸ as her powerful backhands and forehands proved to be her trump card once again. The competition between the two was in a complete flow as both of them have got the same style of gameplay (Right-Handed; Two-handed backhand) and therefore, it seemed to be a battle of experiences which helped Kudermetova to win the second set 6-4.
With clinching the second set, Kudermetova won the semi-final and reached the Abu Dhabi final for the very first time in her career. She presently has got zero single titles for her name but now, she has to cross just a single huddle to clinch her maiden. Though, her competition in the final is going to be difficult as she will be facing Belarusian tennis star, Aryna Sabalenka who currently 3 singles titles for her name at a mere age of 22 and is presently ranked world #10 by WTA. Infact, Aryna has been sensational throughout the tournament and is the leading contender of the title when compared with Veronika. Just like her counterpart, Sabalenka has also reached the final of WTA Abu Dhabi Open for the very first time in her career.
Well, time will decide who is gonna lift the very first title of the season whether, it’s going to be the sensational Aryna Sabalenka or, the craving for a maiden title, Veronika Kudermetova. Veronika Kudermetova and Aryna Sabalenka will face each other in the final of the WTA Abu Dhabi Open 2021 on 13th January.