Stephens into Charleston final

Sloane Stephens has reached her third WTA final of the year when top-seeded Angelique Kerber retired in the second set of their semi-final at the WTA event in Charleston due to a virus.

Seventh seed Stephens had dominated the match played in blustery conditions on the green clay in Charleston, leading 6-1 3-0 when Australian Open champion Kerber waved an end to the match.

“I think I executed very well,” world No.25 Stephens told ESPN.

“The wind was crazy today. I shanked on the first shot because it was going everywhere. I was happy I was able to keep the ball in the court.”

The 23-year-old American Stephens will face Russian qualifier Elena Vesnina, 29, who ousted fifth-seeded Sara Errani of Italy 6-4 4-6 6-2 in a battle that stretched for two hours and 20 minutes.

Kerber was attended to by trainers after losing her serve to the American to fall behind 2-0 in the second set, but gave it another try before deciding to retire.

Stephens, who has won titles this year at Auckland and Acapulco, was in total command of her game, hitting 14 winners while committing only four unforced errors in the match and did not face a single break point.