ABU DHABI: The 2022 Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina prevailed through three sets against Liudmila Samsonova to book her spot in Sunday’s sold-out final of the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open

World No. 5 Rybakina finally defied her winless record against Samsonova with a hard-fought three-set victory 6-0, 4-6, 6-2.

Rybakina, the 2022 Wimbledon champion, had lost the previous four encounters against her opponent, but now faces an enticing final showdown against Daria Kasatkina as she aims to secure her second WTA 500 title of the season in Abu Dhabi.

In Saturday’s first semifinal, Kasatkina clinched her spot in the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open final after a three-set thriller against Brazilian Beatriz Haddad Maia.

The match, a gripping battle lasting almost three hours, ended with Kasatkina prevailing 6-3, 4-6, 7-6 (2).

The world No. 14 surged into a one-set lead and held a break advantage in the second set, before facing a resilient comeback from the Brazilian, who pushed her all the way to a third-set tie-break. 

Despite the fervent support of the Abu Dhabi crowd, Haddad Maia fell at the final hurdle in a valiant attempt to stage a comeback, having spent an astonishing 13-plus hours on court during the tournament.

Kasatkina now stands on the brink of glory as she prepares to take on the formidable Rybakina in what promises to be an eagerly awaited final, particularly given their previous encounter — a three-set marathon in Montreal last year lasting three hours and 27 minutes.

Kasatkina will be hoping to be on the right side of history this Sunday, with a full capacity crowd expected for the sold-out finals day.

American duo Sofia Kenin and Bethanie Mattek-Sands secured their spot in the doubles final following a walkover, and will take on Linda Noskova and Heather Watson in the final showdown.

The latter advanced directly to the championship match due to a walkover in the semifinals, with their opponents Magda Linette and Bernarda Pera withdrawing due to injury.