The title defense continues 🏃♀️ @leylahfernandez is into the semis for a second straight year after knocking out Pera 6-1, 7-6 (7) #PHKTO2024
Hong Kong Open: Shnaider v Fernandez and Boulter v Yuan sets up blockbuster semi-final line-up
Match ReportFriday, 01 November 2024 at 16:51
The semi-finals are confirmed at the Hong Kong Open with the four players expected to get through to the latter stages moving through headlined by defending champion Leylah Fernandez.
It doesn't get much better than Diana Shnaider who is top seed this week in Hong Kong and one of the best rising talents in tennis facing off against Fernandez for a spot in the final.
Shnaider needed three sets though to overcome the hurdle that was Suzan Lamens in the Quarter-Finals. The Russian has won three titles already in 2024 hence her sharp rise up to World No.14. While Fernandez claimed victory in both previous matches so holds the upperhand as such. As well as being at home in Hong Kong due to the fan reaction.
She won in Cincinnati 6-1, 6-4 back in August as well as in Wuhan last month 6-7, 6-3, 6-3, "Of course, it will come into my mind that I've lost to her twice," admitted Shnaider. "Leylah has the experience in matches like this.
"She's an unusual player, playing very close to the baseline and cutting your time. She's moving like crazy, she's stepping in, playing very aggressive, coming into the net. It's going to be very tough, she knows it's going to be tough.
"It's a semifinal, we both want to win, I just need to keep my energy positive to show my best."
"It's going to be one hell of a battle," stated Fernandez in response. "Diana is an incredibly powerful player, is having an incredible year, I know she is going to come in fighting.
"It’s her whole game, how she is able to transition from defence to offense. How she keeps in the offense is very impressive. At the moment she is playing with no fear.
"I'm going to try and execute my game plan and hope for the best."
While another treat will be Katie Boulter who is second seed facing off against Yue Yuan. The Brit sealed victory earlier this season at the Australian Open 7-5, 7-6(1). The World No.29 has yet to drop a set on debut in Hong Kong. She saw off Zakharova earlier today 6-4, 60 after taking down Xiyu Wang and Aoi Ito but faces the toughest test thus far.
It has been a tougher route perhaps as she saw off Simona Halep, Nao Hibino and Sofia Kenin and now is set for the crunch clash with the Brit at the other end of the season.
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