Alexandrova upsets Pegula as Collins cruises past Garcia to set up semi-final affair

Ekaterina Alexandrova advanced to the Miami Open semi-finals for the first time on Wednesday, defeating fifth seed Jessica Pegula 3-6, 6-4, 6-4.

Alexandrova let out a triumphant roar when Pegula's forehand hit the net to end the two-hour match in humid conditions in South Florida.

"This one was incredible," Alexandrova said.

"It was so difficult to play this match to the end and win. It's the biggest achievement for me on this court and semi-final is a great bonus."

Alexandrova recovered from a slow start in the second set, finding her rhythm from the baseline and finishing with 40 winners.

The 14th seed from Russia will face American Danielle Collins, who defeated French 23rd seed Caroline Garcia 6-3 6-2 earlier in the day, keeping her chances of winning a title in her final season alive.

"I think it's going to be difficult," Alexandrova said of facing Collins for the first time.

"There's no easy match here and the further you go, the tougher the matches. I'm hoping it will be a good one."

Collins, who announced in January that she was retiring from professional tennis at the end of the season, won 90% of her first serve points against Garcia. She never faced a break point and made three of her eight chances.

Collins' victory, which took just 80 minutes, marked the first time she had won five consecutive WTA Tour matches since the 2022 Australian Open, when she reached her first Grand Slam final.

"She has had an incredible run and incredible couple of months," Collins said of Alexandrova.

"It's been great to see how her game has evolved over the years, and the way that she's been playing has been really exciting."

SportsLigue