Pironkova reaches first WTA final
Originally published on 09/01/14
The Bulgarian claimed her 10th win over a Top 10 opponent, defeating the world No.6 6-4 6-3 to become the first qualifier to reach the final in the event's history.
Pironkova will have to claim her 11th Top Ten win if she is to land her maiden WTA title with world No.9 Angelique Kerber her opponent in the final after the German defeated American teenager Madison Keys 6-4 6-2.
"It's definitely a milestone," said the world No.107. "This is something I've been dreaming about for a long time now and something that I've been missing – to get to a final or even win a title. So you can only imagine how I will feel tomorrow on the court. We'll see what happens."
It was the 26-year-old’s first career win in four encounters with Kvitova, who beat her in the Wimbledon quarter-finals en route to winning The Championships in 2011.
"Of course I got nervous at the end, but I was trying to cope with it," Pironkova added. "I feel incredibly happy right now. At the same time, I'm trying to stay grounded and focused for the next match, which is obviously the most important match of the week. So I can't wait."
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