Alexandrova wins all-Russian duel in Ningbo: final against Rybakina on the schedule

Ekaterina Alexandrova has qualified for the final of the Ningbo WTA 500 tournament after a straight-sets victory against her compatriot Diana Shnaider.

Following Elena Rybakina's qualification against Jasmine Paolini, it was time for the second semi-final of the Ningbo WTA 500 tournament between two Russian players, Ekaterina Alexandrova and Diana Shnaider.

The first named, who is making her debut in the WTA top 10 this week, faced another top 20 player, who however has generally had a more difficult season.

This was the third meeting between the two players this season, and each had won one so far. However, it was Shnaider who had won the last one, in the final in Monterrey last August.

The first set was dominated by Alexandrova, who quickly pulled away with a double break lead at 5-1. Despite a break back, the world number 10 did not falter on her second attempt to close out the set on her serve, and took the lead.

The second set was more lively, Shnaider hung on, but at 3-3, Alexandrova made a decisive break. Despite six match points, the 30-year-old player finally got through in straight sets (6-3, 6-4 in 1h31).

She thus qualifies for her fourth final of the season after Linz (a tournament she won), Monterrey and Seoul (two finals lost to Shnaider and Swiatek).
She will therefore face Rybakina, against whom she leads 3 wins to 1 in head-to-head matches.

Their last encounter dates back to the quarter-finals of the Adelaide tournament at the beginning of last season. Alexandrova had won in straight sets (6-3, 6-3).