Madison Keys Fights Back to Reach Charleston Semifinals, Yuliia Starodubtseva Upsets Kessler to Prevent All-American Final Four
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After Jessica Pegula’s epic qualification over Diana Shnaider, the final three qualifiers for the semifinals of the WTA 500 in Charleston are recognized.
In the opposite marquee match of the day, Madison Keys confronted Belinda Bencic for the sixth time. The world No. 18 hoped to safe a fourth win in opposition to her opponent. On the opposite facet, the Swiss participant arrived with confidence, having crushed Dayana Yastremska and Sara Bejlek to attain the quarterfinals.
Following her final two performances, the world No. 12 received the primary set. But Keys, who performed the Australian Open spherical of 16 in opposition to Pegula, discovered a method to flip the scenario round (4-6, 6-3, 6-2 in 2h23).
Starodubtseva Qualifies for First WTA Semifinal, Jovic Overpowers Kalinskaya
For a spot within the ultimate, Keys will face the shock visitor of the ultimate 4, Yuliia Starodubtseva. The Ukrainian, who was initially set to play the qualifiers, was repêchée into the primary draw after Amanda Anisimova’s withdrawal.
Then, Ekaterina Alexandrova withdrew earlier than the second spherical, which opened up her draw. And what is definite is that the world No. 89 took benefit of the scenario. Against McCartney Kessler, the 26-year-old participant was stable to win in two units (6-4, 6-4 in 1h36).
She will thus play her first semifinal on the WTA Tour, effectively aided by a bit stroke of luck because the begin of the event, which she managed to capitalize on. Starodubtseva quickly climbs to world No. 62, her career-high rating.
Finally, Iva Jovic will even be within the ultimate 4 lineup. The 18-year-old American prodigy dominated Anna Kalinskaya (6-3, 6-4 in 1h21). To strive to attain a second ultimate this season, the world No. 16, making her third semifinal look in 2026 after Auckland and Hobart, may have to overcome Jessica Pegula.
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