WTA Auckland: Svitolina digs deep to set blockbuster final against Gauff

Elina Svitolina, the second seed, beat Chinese Xiyu Wang 2-6, 6-4, 6-3 to move into the final of the Auckland Open at the ASB Tennis Arena on Saturday night.

The former world No 3 struggled physically at times across the match, but dug deep to come from behind and secure her 21st Tour-level final.

“It was really difficult today for me,” Svitolina said after her victory over Wang in Auckland. “I had really tough matches in the first three rounds.

“Finishing yesterday… Going to bed at 2 A.M. It wasn’t easy. I tried to push myself. I played like there’s no tomorrow. I just tried to fight and give everything for this win today.”

Svitolina, ranked No 25, has now 21 of her last 27 matches, and will play top seed Coco Gauff next in the ASB Classic final.

Ahead of her victory, the Ukrainian won against Dane wildcard Caroline Wozniacki (6-4, 6-3), wildcard Emma Raducanu (6-7 (5), 7-6 (3), 6-1) and No 5 seed Marie Bouzkova (6-0, 6-3).

Wang, ranked No 71, edged out Romanian Jaqueline Cristian (6-1, 5-7, 7-6 (3)) in the previous round of the Auckland tournament. Earlier in the tournament, the 22-year-old Chinese player edged out No 6 seed Xinyu Wang (6-3, 3-6, 7-6 (2)) and Frenchwoman Diane Parry (6-7 (3), 6-3, 6-4).

Auckland WTA 250, other semi-final result (ASB Tennis Arena, hard, USD 267.082):

• Coco Gauff beat Emma Navarro (4): 6-3, 6-1

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WTA Auckland: Svitolina advances to semi-finals, meets Wang next

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