WTA Cincinnati: Elise Mertens and Naomi Osaka in the semifinals
The first two semi-finalists of the WTA Premier Five event in Cincinnati have been announced. While Elise Mertens only stayed an hour in her quarter-finals, Naomi Osaka had to fight hard.
by Michael Rothschädl
last edit:
Aug 26, 2020, 09:09 pm
Elise Mertens has been increasing from event to event since the COVID-19-related interruption of the WTA tour. While the Belgian surprisingly failed in round one in Palermo, Mertens played her way into the final in Prague, where she was then defeated by Simona Halep. Now the world number 22 is playing. also at the WTA Premier Five event from Cincinnati to the semi-finals.
The Belgian met local hero Jessica Pegula in her quarter-finals on Wednesday and started the race as the clear favorite. A favorite role that the Belgian brought to the field and won set one 6: 1 in no time at all. Mertens didn’t let up in the second round and finally brought a 6: 1 and 6: 3 victory into the dry.
Mertens is now in the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open. In this, the Belgian meets Naomi Osaka, who had much more to do with Anett Kontaveit in her quarter-finals. The Estonian made the better start to the game and secured passage one 6: 4. The Japanese was able to strike back, however, put down a significant increase in performance and equalized 6: 2.
Hot dance in the third movement
In the third set of decisions, the event was balanced for a long time, Kontaveit was able to equalize a break lead Osaka. This stalemate situation lasted until 6: 5, before Anett Kontaveit had to serve against the loss of the match. The Estonian already had two game balls, but had to surrender both and a little later watch Osaka secure the break - and with it the match.
The other two semi-final places will play out tonight Ons Jabeur and Viktoria Azarenka, or Johanna Konta and Williams-conqueror Maria Sakkari.