CHARLESTON, S.C. (AP) Australian Open champion Angelique Kerber, ranked No. 2 in the world, retired because of a viral illness during her semifinal match at the Volvo Car Open on Saturday, sending American Sloane Stephens to the finals.
Stephens on Sunday meets Russian qualifier Elena Vesnina, who upset Italian Sara Errani, the tournament's No. 5 seed, 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 in the other semifinal.
Vesnina, who reached the final in Charleston five years ago before losing to Caroline Wozniacki, becomes the first qualifier in the 44-year history of the tournament to make the finals. She is ranked No. 85 in the world, while Errani is No. 20.
Stephens won the first set against Kerber and was leading 3-0 in the second when Kerber, the top seed in the tournament, retired.
