World No1 Ashleigh Barty, Wuhan Open defending champion Aryna Sabalenka, two-time champion Petra Kvitova, and Wimbledon quarter-finalist Alison Riske have sealed the semi-final spots at the Dongfeng Motor Wuhan Open.
Top seed Barty outlasted Petra Martic 7-6(6), 3-6, 6-3, in an epic match that lasted 2hrs 22mins. The Australian afterwards commented on what was a match of quality and variety from both sides:
“I think that was a very, very high-quality match. I think that was probably one of the better matches that I’ve played in recent times. I think it could have gone either way. I was happy how I was able to fight in the end, put a lot of pressure on her in a lot of those service games in the third.
“I knew the quality that was coming off of Petra’s racket. It was an incredible match. I think this is why we play the sport. We love the competition [and] I think we both played exceptional tennis at times.”
Barty will now face defending Wuhan champion Sabalenka, who overcame wildcard Elena Rybakina in a rollercoaster of a match 6-3, 1-6, 6-1.
Explaining the dip in the second set, Sabalenka said:
“Second set was definitely not great playing from me. In the third set, I was like, OK, I just need to go for it. It’s going to be tough, but I have to finish this match with the win. It was really important for me. Yeah, after third set felt a little bit—not a little bit, but much better.”
The win extends Sabalenka’s unbeaten run in Wuhan to nine matches but she is aware of the task facing her in her next match against Barty:
“Well, she’s a great player. She’s No1 right now. It’s going to be interesting to play against her. For sure it’s going to be tough match, but I’m looking forward to it.”
Kvitova beat teenager Dayana Yastremska, 6-2, 6-4, to progress again to the semi-final stage in Wuhan. The fifth seed credited the youngster’s aggressive game, but her own experience proved to be decisive:
“I think she is definitely trying to play very aggressive, which as we see is really paying off. She’s a good mover, as well. She has a lot of energy anyway. I tried to put the pressure on her at the first play on the court, which I think was probably the key.
“Definitely she’s young. She needs some experiences. But very talented.”
The Wuhan crowd favourite reciprocated the fan’s affection following the match:
“I always find a good connection between me and Wuhan every time. I mean, I’m glad that I won the three matches. Definitely it was a good game today, as well. I’m just glad for that.”
Kvitova’s next opponent, Riske, caused the upset of the day to put out No3 seed Elina Svitolina, 6-1, 6-3, to reach her first Wuhan Open semi. The American is enjoying the best season of her career and credited her run to the quarters at Wimbledon this year with boosting her performances:
“Obviously, Wimbledon gave me a lot of confidence. Translating it to a hard court is a different situation. I feel like I just had an inner belief after that. It’s kind of just helped me to move forward.
“I’m super excited with the way I’m competing. I just feel like I’m seeing things the way that I wish I had seen them when I was 18 years old, fresh on tour. I think maturity plays a part in it. Again, I’m just really happy that I found it now.”
Riske and Kvitova, both 29 years old, have scored one win apiece against each other—though those matches came back in 2013. Riske knows that Kvitova will provide a fresh challenge and will need to adapt her game accordingly:
“Yeah, it’s going to be a challenge obviously. Playing a lefty, you kind of have to make a few alterations when you’re out there, be prepared for that.”
Sabalenka completed an outstanding day by reaching the doubles semi-final with partner Elise Mertens, and will now face Anne-Lena Groenefeld and Demi Schurs. Mertens and Schurs teamed up to take the title in 2018 and now find themselves on opposite sides of the net.
The second semi-final will have home representation when China’s Zhaoxuan Yang and partner Makoto Ninomiya take on China’s Yingying Duan and partner Veronika Kudermetova.