GUANGZHOU, China (AP)—Top-seeded Jarmila Groth of Australia and unseeded Alla Kudryavtseva of Russia will meet in their first WTA Tour final after cruising through their semifinals at the Guangzhou International on Saturday.
Groth beat Edina Gallovits of Romania 6-0, 6-1 in 38 minutes, while Kudryavtseva disappointed local fans by downing Zhang Shuai 6-0, 6-4.
“I’m the No. 1 seed so there’s always pressure, but I’ve been trying to play my best and so far it’s working,” Groth said.
By reaching the final, Groth will rise in the world rankings from 55th into the top 50 for the first time.
“It’s very exciting to finally get inside the top 50,” Groth said. “I’ve had injuries and every time I got close in the past, I couldn’t play. It’s my first final and I’ll do everything possible to win, so fingers crossed I can go higher than just top 50.”
Kudryavtseva, ranked 103rd, beat Groth in their last match two years ago.
“I’m looking forward to the final,” Kudryavtseva said. “Jarka’s playing very well and so am I, so we’ll see.”