Indian Wells, CA, USA, 4 March 2018 | tennis.com.au

Ajla Tomljanovic went down in straight sets to fourth seed Kateryna Bondarenko in the semifinals of the Indian Wells WTA Challenger in California.

The Australian number four had her chances in a tight contest but could only convert one of nine break points – and none of seven in the first set, after which she left the court for a medical timeout.

Bondarenko took full advantage, coming through 7-5 6-3 after one hour and 37 minutes.

The Ukrainian goes on to face Sara Errani in the final after the Italian beat American 16-year-old Amanda Anisimova – the reigning US Open junior champion – 6-4 6-2.

Tomljanovic backed up her semi-final appearance last time out in Newport Beach with another run to the last four, and the world number 96 is set to rise several places in the next rankings.

Congratulations Kateryna Bondarenko! First finalist for the Women's Singles @OracleChallngrs after 7-5 6-3 wine over @Ajlatom @WTA #Finale pic.twitter.com/HdraGxym2q

— OracleTennis (@OracleTennis) March 3, 2018