BOGOTA – American teenager Amanda Anisimova reached the second WTA final of her career on Saturday with a three-set victory over Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia at the clay-court event in Bogota.
The 17-year-old sixth seed, who was runner-up to Hsieh Su-wei in Hiroshima last September, fought back to win 4-6, 7-6 (7/2), 6-2.
Anisimova, who impressed with a run to the Australian Open last 16 earlier this year, will face either Australian Astra Sharma or Spain’s Lara Arruabarrena on Sunday for the title.
Despite being a former junior French Open finalist, world number 76 Anisimova had not won a match on clay in two years before this week.
“It was another super tough match again, three sets,” Anisimova acknowledged afterward.
“I’m just really happy with how I was playing and rising to each challenge. I’m really happy that I won.”
#ClaroOpenColsanitas No.6 seed @AnisimovaAmanda reached her second career WTA final with a victory over Brazilian qualifier Beatriz Haddad Maia --> https://t.co/OdXCSRhbJM pic.twitter.com/BBvI2PUILz
— WTA (@WTA) April 13, 2019
Of her opponent Maia, Anisimova said: “She’s a great player, and I’ve never played her before.
“I was expecting a really tough match, because especially on clay she’s really good. So this is a good win for me, I’m really happy about it.”