Tennis sensation, Noma Noha Akugue zooms into final at the European Open

 

HAMBURG – German teenager Noma Noha Akugue has reached the final of her first career tournament on the WTA Tour when she beat Russia’s Diana Shnaider 6-3, 6-3 at the European Open.

World number 207 Akugue triumphed in 1 hour 18 minutes in Hamburg where she was playing as a wildcard entry.

In Saturday’s final, she faces Dutch player Arantxa Rus, who rallied to beat Australian qualifier Daria Saville, 2-6, 6-3, 6-1.

“I can’t believe what is happening. I am so happy. I hope I can play my best tennis tomorrow and perhaps win the tournament,” said Akugue, who was born in the Hamburg region and plays for the club where the tournament takes place.

The last German winner in Hamburg was Steffi Graf in 1992, while Andrea Pektovic was the last finalist two years ago.

Also scheduled for Friday were the men’s quarter-finals, with top seed Casper Ruud facing Arthur Fils and local hope Alexander Zverev taking on Luca van Assche.