Lucky Loser Kudermetova Saves Match Point, Tops Samsonova in Abu Dhabi

By Tennis Now | @TennisNow  | Monday, February 3, 2025

Photograph credit score: Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open Fb

In a conflict of former Abu Dhabi finalists, the fortunate loser was wondrous winner.

Fortunate loser Veronika Kudermetova saved match level combating off fifth-seeded Liudmila Samsonova 5-7, 6-1, 7-6(5) in a 2 hour, 55 minute marathon to achieve the Mubadala Abu Dhabi Open second spherical.

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It was a family-aided win.

Veronika Kudermetova, who misplaced in qualifying, gained entry to the primary draw when youthful sister Polina Kudermetova withdrew.

In a topsy-turvy take a look at, Veronika Kudermetova constructed a 5-2 lead solely to see the hard-hitting Samsonova reel off 5 video games in a row to grab a one-set lead.

Resetting, Kudermetova surged by means of 9 of the following 11 video games to take the second set and go up 3-1 within the third.

Samsonova broke again for 3-all then gained match level with Kudermetova serving at 4-5, 30-40.

Kudermetova saved match level and pulled out a dramatic tiebreaker when Samsonova’s remaining drive narrowly missed lengthy.

“I had luck on my facet twice,” mentioned Kudermetova afterwards. “I obtained in, and I received. Only a good day for me as we speak. “Already this season I misplaced lots of matches after I led.

“I advised myself, ‘This time, Veronika it’s a must to work on that factor. If you can be unhappy, for positive you’ll lose this match.'”

World No. 51 avenged her 2023 quarterfinal loss to the 2023 finalist beating Samsonova for the fourth time in a row. Kudermetova improved to 6-2 lifetime vs. Samsonova—her most wins over any single opponent.