France's big-serving Kristina Mladenovic battled back from a set down to advance into the St Petersburg Trophy final on Saturday with a hard-fought win over Russia's wildcard Natalia Vikhlyantseva. Mladenovic, ranked 51st, won 4-6, 6-2, 6-2 in two hours nine minutes to record her second win over 19-year-old Vikhlyantseva in as many meetings.
Vikhlyantseva, ranked 115th, and who was playing in her first WTA semi-final, took the opening set in 58 minutes after both players produced a series of breaks. But Mladenovic, 23, who is seeking her career's maiden title here, replied positively moving up a gear to take two consecutive sets and to advance into her fourth career's WTA final. "My (good) physical condition made the difference today," Mladenovic said. "I feel well, I feel fresh and I think it's really good to win such a tough three-setter.
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