Hibino and Ostapenko through to Internationaux de Strasbourg quarterfinal

Nao Hibino and Jelena Ostapenko booked spots in the Internationaux de Strasbourg quarterfinals with victories against Diyas and Bertens.

While Nao Hibino defeated Zarina Diyas in straight sets Jelena Ostapenko was aided by injuries that plagued Bertens throughout the match forcing her to retire midway through the final set. Nao Hibino played a solid match against Zarina Diyas who was the favourite going into this match. She started off well taking an early break to go up 2-0 but she soon found herself on the defence as Hibino attacked her more and more. Midway through the set, the Japanese took the lead which she forfeited immidietly.

She would gain confidence which helped her win the first set 7-5 before cruising in the 2nd set to win it 6-3. She was better in the 2nd set from the start taking an early lead which she maintained throughout it before clinching it with another break at 5-3. The 2nd match of the day featured a harder battle between Ostapenko and Bertens.

It started with Bertens controlling the match fully as expected cruising to an easy 6-2 1st set victory. The 2nd set was a true battle as both of them had plenty of chances to pull away but it was ultimately Ostapenko who managed to late in the set. She won it 6-4 and we entered the final set with momentum on the side of the Latvian. The final set started off with a break for Bertens but she soon suffered an injury that switched the tide completely. Ostapenko pulled away with a 4-2 lead and Bertens retired to prevent further damage as the match was already lost.