Petrova, Radwanska Reach Tokyo Final

Nadia Petrova beat Samantha Stosur in straight sets, 6-4, 6-2, to reach the final in Tokyo. She is aiming to win her second WTA title of the year, her first in 2012 coming at ‘s-Hertogenbosch.

Stosur struggled throughout the match, calling for the trainer late in the first set for a possible abdominal injury.

World No. 3 Agnieszka Radwanska beat Angelique Kerber 6-1, 6-1, to earn a chance to defend her 2011 Tokyo title. Radwanska hit 20 winners and just four unforced errors in a clinical performance against the listless Kerber. Though Kerber raised her level in the last few games, Radwanska produced brilliance to stave off any potential comeback, hitting a dazzling drop shot return winner in the final game of the match.

By making the final, Radwanska clinched holding onto her No. 3 ranking. Petrova will move up four spots in the rankings to World No. 14 regardless of the result in the final.