Amanda Anisimova of the USA celebrates her win over Emma Navarro of the USA in semifinal action at the National Bank Open in Toronto on Sunday August 11, 2024. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
TORONTO – It will be an all-American final in women’s singles at the National Bank Open.
Defending champion and third-seed Jessica Pegula defeated No. 14 Diana Shnaider of Russia 6-4, 6-3 on Sunday to book a spot in Monday’s title match.
The world No. 6 will face Amanda Anisimova after she defeated compatriot and No. 8 seed Emma Navarro 6-3, 2-6, 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Anisimova is the lowest-ranked player at No. 132 to make the NBO semis since Sloane Stephens (No. 934) in 2017.
She also picked up her fourth victory against a top-20 opponent this week after taking down No. 3 Aryna Sabalenka, No. 12 Daria Kasatakina and No. 17 Anna Kalinskaya.
Pegula improved to 16-2 all-time at the NBO, including last year’s victory that followed back-to-back final four appearances at the US$3.2-million event.
This report by The Canadian Press was first published Aug. 11, 2024.