In a gripping first semifinal at the Nordea Open in Båstad, Katarzyna Kawa delivered one of the tournament’s most dramatic performances, coming from a set down — and saving a match point — to defeat Mayar Sherif 2-6, 7-6(5), 6-1 and book her place in Saturday’s final. The Polish player is now one step away from her first-ever WTA singles title.

Entering the match with a 0-3 head-to-head record against Sherif, Kawa looked headed for another loss after a shaky start. The Egyptian, seeded No. 5, recovered quickly from an early break to take control, stringing together three consecutive breaks and closing out the set 6-2 with an impressive 8-2 point run.

The second set, however, flipped the script entirely. Despite trailing 5-3 and facing a match point on her own serve, Kawa showed remarkable resilience. She fended off danger, broke back for 5-5, and battled through a marathon 11th game that lasted nearly 12 minutes. The set culminated in a tense tiebreak, where the 29-year-old Pole held her nerve and snatched it 7-6(5), changing the momentum decisively.

Statistically, it wasn’t an easy ride for Kawa — she committed 9 double faults (6 in the second set alone) and won just 41% of her second-serve points. But her ability to save 7 out of 9 break points and her grit under pressure made the difference.

With confidence soaring, Kawa dominated the deciding set. Sherif, both physically and mentally drained from the previous set’s intensity, could no longer keep up. Kawa surged to a 5-0 lead and closed the match out after 2 hours and 25 minutes of high-quality tennis, sealing a well-earned place in the final.

She will now have the chance to fight for her maiden WTA singles title — and after today’s comeback, she’s certainly earned her shot.