Qualifier Alison Riske, who had never won a WTA tour match before this week, is through to the semifinals of Birmingham after knocking out Yanina Wickmayer 7-6 (5), 6-4, 6-3.
"I was so nervous," said the 19-year-old American after winning the closely fought encounter. "I've had a good week, I had to believe in myself."
Riske served well, saving all four break points she faced, and broke Wickmayer in the sixth game of the third set to put herself in position for the win.
Wickmayer was playing her second event after undergoing elbow surgery last month.
No. 192 Riske next faces Maria Sharapova in the semifinals. "I dreamed about it, but I didn't know if it was going to be a reality," said Riske of her run this week