Sunday will see the first WTA Tour final contested between two players born in 2001 after what has been a breakthrough week for both players.
Anastasia Potapova and Olga Danilovic, who are both aged 17, has stunned the field at the WTA International tournament by reaching the final. Potapova is making only her third appearance in the main draw of a WTA event after being rewarded a wildcard. Meanwhile Danilovic is making her debut after clinching a lucky loser spot.
In the first semi-final, Potapova battled to a 3-6, 6-4, 5-2 lead over Tamara Zidansek after almost two hours of play. Hitting 26 winners to 29 unforced errors. The win, which makes the 2016 Wimbledon girls champion the first player born after 2001 to qualify for a WTA final, was marred by Zidansek’s retirement. The Slovenian underwent two medical time outs during the match and had her blood pressure taken.
“It was my dream to play in the final of the WTA tournament, and it’s incredible that it happens at home with my fans,” Potapova said following the match.
“Yesterday I had a very difficult day, I returned home at ten in the evening, after playing two matches. It’s good that they ended in two victories.”
Zidansek, who was born in 1997 herself, admitted after that match that she was caught off guard by the change of conditions in Moscow. Revealing that she was also hampered by an abdominal issue.
“The conditions were pretty different to other days; it was hot and it was not easy to play long points. We played for two hours, so it was pretty tough physically.” Said Zidansek.
Danilović also endured a tough route to her first WTA final. The three-time grand slam girls doubles champion outlasted fifth seed Aliaksandra Sasnovich 6-2, 5-7, 7-5. The Serbian produced 42 winners to 39 unforced errors and impressively saved 16 out of the 20 break points she faced.
“In juniors everyone is under 18, still growing. But in professionals we all play tennis. Your age doesn’t matter, the only difference is your experience. At some point you find your style and play your tennis. And determining who is better comes down to how you play on the day.” Danilović said during her press conference.
The upcoming final will be the first meeting between the two on the professional tour. Although they are familiar with each others style of play. On the ITF junior circuit they faced each other twice before. Together they also won the doubles trophy at the prestigious Orange Ball in 2016. A tournament considered to be one of the most significant junior competitions in the sport.
Danilovic on Potapova: she is my friend, I know her my whole life, since we were maybe 10 years old. She is an amazing player and we'll have a good match tomorrow.
— Maria Nikulashkina (@nikulashkina) July 28, 2018
Whoever wins the Moscow final will become the youngest winner on the WTA Tour since Ana Konjuh’s triumph at the 2015 Nottingham Open.
