Kudermetova Saves Match Point to Stun Samsonova in Abu Dhabi Thriller
Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open: Kudermetova Stages Dramatic Comeback
Veronika Kudermetova delivered an electrifying performance at the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open, pulling off a stunning upset against fellow Russian and fifth seed Liudmila Samsonova in a marathon three-set battle. In a match that lasted nearly three hours, Kudermetova clawed her way back from the brink of defeat, saving a match point before completing a 5-7, 6-1, 7-6 (5) victory on Monday.
The match was a rollercoaster, with Samsonova edging the opening set 7-5 after breaking Kudermetova late. However, Kudermetova responded emphatically, steamrolling through the second set 6-1, dominating with deep, aggressive groundstrokes and converting 6 of 9 break point opportunities.
The deciding set saw both players trading blows, with Samsonova serving for the match at 5-4. Kudermetova showed remarkable resilience, fending off a match point and breaking back to level at 5-5. She carried the momentum into the decisive tiebreak, where she raced to a 4-0 lead before closing it out 7-5, securing a hard-earned victory against a formidable opponent.
With this win, Kudermetova advances to the second round, proving she remains a dangerous contender despite her inconsistent form in recent months.
Elsewhere in Abu Dhabi: Lulu Sun Impresses, Americans Battle Through
The day’s other first-round matches did not feature any seeded players, but there was no shortage of action.
- New Zealand’s Lulu Sun dominated former world No. 4 Caroline Garcia, dismantling the Frenchwoman 6-1, 6-3 with powerful serving and relentless baseline aggression.
- Japan’s Wakana Sonobe produced a composed performance to dispatch China’s Yue Yuan 6-4, 6-3, capitalizing on crucial break points.
- In an all-American clash, Ashlyn Krueger battled past compatriot McCartney Kessler in a physical contest, eventually prevailing 6-3, 6-7 (4), 6-3.
- Another American, Katie Volynets, also had to dig deep, overcoming Great Britain’s Sonay Kartal 3-6, 6-4, 6-4 in a grueling three-set encounter.
Transylvania Open: Kalinina Cruises, Tomova Mounts Comeback
Over in Cluj-Napoca, Romania, fourth-seeded Anhelina Kalinina of Ukraine made a confident start to her campaign, dispatching Elena-Gabriela Ruse 6-2, 6-3 with an impressive 77.1% first-serve success rate. Kalinina’s sharp baseline play and well-timed net approaches proved too much for the Romanian.
Meanwhile, American Caroline Dolehide survived a three-set battle against Ukraine’s Daria Snigur, securing a 7-5, 2-6, 6-4 win to move into the next round.
The longest match of the day featured Bulgaria’s Viktoriya Tomova, who staged an impressive comeback to defeat Egypt’s Mayar Sherif 3-6, 6-4, 6-1, wearing down her opponent with relentless consistency and superior fitness.
Other results included:
- Marina Stakusic (Canada) def. Sorana Cirstea (Romania) 6-1, 1-6, 6-4
- Suzan Lamens (Netherlands) def. Anna Bondar (Hungary) 7-6 (2), 7-6 (6)
With early-round upsets already shaking up both tournaments, the stage is set for even more thrilling matches ahead.
