Stefanoni reaches first Gold final with Gilis upset in Brisbane

Marina Stefanoni reached her first Gold-level final by defeating Tinne Gilis 3–1 in the Australian Open semifinals. The world number nineteen won 11–8, 4–11, 11–3, 11–8 at South Bank Piazza, continuing her run after an earlier quarterfinal victory over Salma Hany.

Stefanoni led 6–0 in the opener, but Gilis matched that fast start in the second to level the contest. The American regained control through varied angles and attacks in the third, then established another early advantage in the fourth game.

Gilis won seven straight points after trailing 6–1, but Stefanoni responded with four consecutive points to close the match. She described playing fearlessly and enjoying the outdoor heat, reversing a 3–0 semifinal defeat to Gilis at the New Zealand Open exactly a week earlier.