Keys reaches final in Stanford

Originally published on 06/08/17 00:00

The attack-minded American took just 57 minutes to defeat the Wimbledon champion 6-3 6-2 and reach her first final of the season. It has been an injury-hit campaign for the 21-year-old, but she believes she is slowly getting back on track.

“I would say that this was my best performance of the year – as far as playing well from start to finish,” said Keys. “To be honest, just being in the final and getting some really good matches in and feeling that I’m on a good path has been the best part of this whole tournament.”

The first player to reach the championship match was Coco Vandeweghe, who dismissed Catherine Bellis 6-3 6-1 to reach the final in Stanford for a second time. The 24-year-old was rarely troubled by her compatriot and she is yet to drop a set in the tournament.

"Today's match was pretty straightforward,” admitted Vandeweghe. “It was me playing tennis and playing tennis well. I think right now, it's just checking off a couple of different things, improvements that I want to see get better. I'm feeling healthy – and being healthy is an even better feeling."

At the Citi Open in Washington D.C., Julia Goerges won a marathon duel with Fed Cup teammate, Andrea Petkovic, 5-7 6-4 7-5 to reach the final.

The German will take on Ekaterina Makarova for a shot at the title. The Russian recovered from a set down to defeat Oceane Dodin 3-6 6-3 6-4 and she was thrilled to prevail. “I was so happy that I finally passed the semi-final round,” remarked Makarova. “I love this city and I’m enjoying everything that’s outside the court and on the court.

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