Leylah Fernandez soared past Linda Fruhvirtova in the quarter-finals of the Prudential Hong Kong Open, overcoming a tiebreak in the opening set before dominating the second to win 7-6 (2), 6-2.

The 2021 US Open finalist has made it through to her first WTA Tour-level semi-final since the Monterrey Open in March 2022. The Canadian player has had a strong run at the WTA 250 tournament in Hong Kong this week, starting by winning a set against Victoria Azarenka before the top seed retired from their first-round clash.

Fernandez then fought back from a set down to oust teen talent Mirra Andreeva in the Round of 16 to set up the meeting with 18-year-old Fruhvirtova.

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Fernandez plays phenomenally to secure semi-final spot

Fernandez started out strong against the Czech player with a break in the latter's first service game. The 21-year-old's first service game then went to a deuce, but she held for a 2-0 lead.

Nevertheless, Fruhvirtova fought back by holding her serve before achieving a break point on Fernandez's next service game. Although it went to a deuce again, an unforced error from the Canadian meant that Fruhvirtova was able to break back and level the set. 

The two players then held their serve until a tiebreak was required. Fruhvirtova won the first point on serve as both demonstrated their powerful striking abilities. However, it was Fernandez who edged past her opponent to get the first mini-break of the tie before amassing four set points. From there, she pulled off a fabulous finish to win the first set, having hit an impressive 23 winners throughout the opener.

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The second set was more straightforward for Fernandez, as a 7-point surge saw her win her first service game 40-0. She then secured an early break, maintaining a high level throughout and seeming to be full of confidence.

In Fruhvirtova's final service game of the match at 5-2, Fernandez was able to get the double break and consequently win the match. She will face fifth seed Anna Blinkova in the semi-finals of the Prudential Hong Kong Open.

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Showstopper Leylah 🤹‍♀️ @leylahfernandez sails into her first WTA semifinal since February of last year! #PHKTO2023

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