Qinwen Zheng proved too sharp once again for Leylah Annie Fernandez on Friday in Tokyo, defeating the Canadian 6-0, 1-6, 6-3 to advance to the semifinals of the Toray Pan Pacific Open.
In a rematch of their meeting just two weeks ago in Wuhan, the contest once again went the distance, with the top seed from China eventually overcoming the 21-year-old with her high level ball of striking.
In a match of major momentum swings, it was the Olympic gold medalist taking charge early with relentless pressure. A backhand return winner from Zheng set up a break point in the opening game which she capitalized on and held for an early 2-0 lead. The strong start from Zheng continued, as she controlled play with her heavy, penetrative groundstrokes.
She broke Fernandez twice more, coasting to a dominant 6-0 opening set in 25 minutes.
More dazzling shot-making continued to open the second set, as Zheng broke serve to extend her streak to seven games. Fernandez finally provided resistance and converted on a third break point chance to get on the scoreboard in the very next game. She then survived an eight-minute service game, staving off three break point opportunities before holding for a 2-1 advantage.
The hold of serve decidedly shifted the momentum as the Canadian raised her level, using precision groundstrokes and strong net play to forge ahead. She reeled off the next four games to snatch the second set, 6-1.
Zheng would snap the Canadian’s run of six consecutive games by holding serve to open the third set and quickly got back on the front foot. A break of serve in the second game and another hold gave the Chinese a 3-0 advantage. The quick start proved decisive as both competitors held their level through the following six games. Zheng closed out the victory on serve to book a place in the semifinals.
With the win, she now evens her head-to-head with the Fernandez at 2-2.
Boulter overwhelms Andreescu
Earlier in the day, Bianca Andreescu was unable to match the consistency and power of her opponent in Tokyo, falling to Great Britain’s Katie Boulter in the quarterfinals 6-2, 6-1 in 63 minutes.
Boulter dictated play early with her measured groundstrokes, breaking the serve of Andreescu in the opening game, and then a second time to take a commanding 5-1 first set lead.
The 28-year-old comfortably closed out the opener on serve 6-2 in 32 minutes.
The ninth seed remained on the front foot, swinging freely and with confidence. Two more breaks of serve gave Boulter a commanding 4-0 second set lead. The Canadian finally managed a hold in the fifth game but it was too little too late.
Boulter broke the former US Open champion for a fifth time to secure the match 6-2, 6-1 and book her spot in the semifinals.
