The Ukrainian tennis player struck the blow by decisively eliminating Britain’s Emma Radacanu (6-2, 6-1) at the WTA 250 in Cluj-Napoca. Kostyuk will now face off with Simona Halep, the local idol and top seed of the tournament, for a place in the final.
Emma Raducanu She reached this tough compromise, seeking to find regularity in her tennis and thus get into her first semifinals on the WTA circuit, beyond what happened at the US Open. The British had to overcome a difficult debut against the Slovenian Polona Hercog, against whom she had to come back, and then beat local Ana Bogdan in straight sets.
For its part, Marta Kostyuk She seemed to be a weight rival for the British, due to the great season that the Ukrainian has had, reaching the eighth at Roland Garros, and reaching her best historical ranking, close to the Top 50. Marta has had a quite comfortable week, winning in two Bernarda Pera sleeves as Mona Barthel.
Striking beating from Kostyuk
The Ukrainian came out with more determination to the track, and that would be quickly reflected on the scoreboard. A break in the first game of the match already gave Kostyuk an advantage. Raducanu would begin to show his frustration at not having the necessary tools to overcome the absolute solidity that his rival was showing, without giving up his service. Emma had a chance that she couldn’t finish at 2-4, and then she would end up giving up her serve once more. Marta took the set 6-2.
The trend was not going to change in the face of the second set, with another early break from the Ukrainian, which was beginning to set a definitive course for the match. Kostyuk was very comfortable in the exchanges from the back of the court, and did not suffer the usual blows from the British. A second break came to go 4-1 up, and almost ensure the pass to the semifinals. Finally, Marta Kostyuk sealed her victory with a crushing 6-1.
