Leylah Fernandez produced a brilliant performance to beat defending champion Madison Keys and reach the Eastbourne final.
The Canadian world number 30 overcame the American fourth seed 6-3 3-6 6-3 in blustery conditions.
The 21-year-old will take on last year’s runner-up Daria Kasatkina in Sunday’s final.
Russian sixth seed Kasatkina came from a set down to beat French Open finalist Jasmine Paolini 3-6 7-5 6-3.
Paolini was bidding to become the first Italian finalist at Eastbourne since Raffaella Reggi in 1989.
The Italian powered her way into the lead to the frustration of Kasatkina, who shouted towards her support team on more than one occasion.
Kasatkina steadied herself well, breaking Paolini as she served to try and force a second-set tie-break, but she quickly found herself 2-0 down in the third set.
However, Paolini began to struggle to control her groundstrokes and Kasatkina won five of the final six games to secure her place in the final.
Kasatkina, 27, has won both her previous matches against Fernandez, but Sunday will be the pair’s first meeting on grass.
“Grass suits Leylah and her game. She’s a very aggressive player and in great form. I’ll just go and try to enjoy myself,” Kasatkina said.
Eastbourne is one of the final grass-court events before Wimbledon, which begins on Monday.
2024-06-28 15:10:46
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