Kasatkina beats Venus to reach Indian Wells final

Indian Wells (California) March 17 (IANS) Russia s Daria Kasatkina won a dramatic semi-final against American Venus Williams after coming back from a set down at the Indian Wells Masters here.

The 20-year-old overcame her illustrious opponent 4-6 6-4 7-5 in two hours and 49 minutes to qualify for Sunday s final where she will face Japan s Naomi Osaka who stunned world number 1 Simona Halep of Romania in straight sets 6-3 6-0 in another semi-final reports Efe.

Kasatkina s victory over Williams was her fourth in a row against major open champions this year at Indian Wells after she beat Sloane Stephens Angelique Kerber and Caroline Wozniacki without dropping a set.

The Russian s cool and calm performance particularly when taking advantage of Venus errors late in the third set including two double faults at 5-5 belied her age and inexperience and allowed her to seal her place in the biggest final of her young career.

"I have become more mature I am more confident on the court and even in difficult situations I can find a way to keep going " Kasatkina said.

--IANS
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