Bondarenko to face qualifier at final in Warsaw

No. 8 seed Alona Bondarenko got one step closer to winning her second WTA Tour title after she won her semifinal match in straight sets, but first she has to take on breakthrough player Alexandra Dulgheru, who had a tougher time against the No. 6 seed.

Bondarenko, who ousted Maria Sharapova in the previous round, won her match against Anne Keothavong 62 75.

"Anne played well from the baseline. She was hitting fast and was consistent," Bondarenko said. "I expected to do well here. I felt I played well in Madrid last week and thought I could win here in Warsaw. Two years ago here I lost to Justine in the final. Tomorrow will be tough. I'm not expecting an easy match."

Dulgheru made an outstanding win on the week before her birthday against Daniela Hantuchova, with a score of 64 67(2) 61.

"At moments like that it's about inspiration and desire to win for me, and I knew if I could pull through those first few games I had a chance to win," Dulgheru said about the start of the third. "Her being such a talented and experienced player, I knew if I let her get an early lead it would be incredibly difficult."

"I just tried to take it one match at a time, and did not plan to make it this far. This is an incredible experience for me, this is a great surprise for my birthday."

Bondarenko and qualifier Dulgheru have never played together before. Let's see who takes the lead.

Friday, May 22, 2009

Singles - Semifinals

(Q) Alexandra Dulgheru (ROU) d. (6/WC) Daniela Hantuchova (SVK) 64 67(2) 61

(8) Alona Bondarenko (UKR) d. Anne Keothavong (GBR) 62 75