Mertens stuns Swiatek in Beijing, sets up China Open semi-final with Zheng
The 30-year-old Belgian, ranked 19th, beat Grand Slam champions in successive matches to reach her third WTA 1000 semi-final and first since 2021.
Elise Mertens delivered a masterful victory over former champion Iga Swiatek, 7-6(0) 6-3, at the China Open tennis tournament in Beijing. The 30-year-old Belgian, currently ranked 19th in the world, advanced to her third WTA 1000 semi-final and first since 2021 with this impressive win. Mertens showcased her dominance early on, dominating the opening-set tiebreak without dropping a point and carrying that momentum into the second set.
She broke Swiatek's serve twice, sealing her victory and setting up a semi-final clash against home favorite Zheng Qinwen. Zheng, who defeated sixth seed Elina Svitolina earlier in the day, will face Mertens next. Playing as a wildcard, Zheng took control of the match from the start, breaking Svitolina three times in the opening set.
The Ukrainian world number seven eventually fought back in the second set, forcing a tiebreak, but Zheng's consistent attacking game and ability to seize the initiative in crucial moments proved too much for Svitolina.
Written by urgent.news from Free Malaysia Today's reporting — not their text. Machine-written — may contain errors; check the original before relying on it.
Also reported by 1 other outlet
- Mertens stuns Swiatek in Beijing, sets up China Open semi-final with Zheng freemalaysiatoday.com
