Kristina Kukola

Jessica Pegula fought to the very end, but could not outplay Kazakhstan's Elena Rybakina, who took the semifinal match in straight sets, 6-3, 7-6, in just over 90 minutes.

Rybakina paid tribute to Pegula after the match,

saying she was pleased with her game and the six-seat American was a worthy opponent.

Rybakina will go up against Belarusian world number one Irina Sabalenka in the women's final on Saturday, after Sabalenka defeated Alina Svitolina of Ukraine in the other semi-final.

For NPR News, I'm Kristina Kukola in Melbourne.