Keys and Maria Reach Eastbourne Final After Opponent Retirements

American Madison Keys and German veteran Tatjana Maria are set to contest the Eastbourne final, both advancing after their semi-final opponents were forced to retire mid-match on Friday. The circumstances surrounding their progression were unusual, marked by illness and injury.

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It's always bittersweet winning a match this way and hopefully she gets better for Wimbledon.

Tatjana Maria, leading 6-1 1-2 against former French Open champion Jelena Ostapenko, saw her opponent retire feeling unwell during a rain delay. Ostapenko had taken a medical timeout earlier in the match. Maria, at 38 years old, becomes the oldest finalist in the history of the Eastbourne WTA event.

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She's an incredible young player, has lots of years ahead of her so I'm sure we'll see lots of her.

Similarly, second seed Madison Keys was leading 6-1 against 20-year-old Petra Marcinko when the Croatian player retired due to an abdominal injury. Keys, who is aiming for her third title at the south coast tournament, has had a dominant run, dropping only 14 games and spending minimal time on court.

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I was feeling well, then the rain started, but I was focused. I was ready to go out here.