Yuan Yue of China has made a significant leap to the semifinals of the Hong Kong Open, triumphing over former Australian Open champion Sofia Kenin of the USA in straight sets, 6-3, 6-3, this past Friday.
Ranked 45th globally, Yuan secured her position in the semifinals after a commanding performance that lasted one hour and 20 minutes. Her next challenge will be against second-seeded Katie Boulter of Great Britain, where she will compete for a coveted spot in the title match.
Sofia Kenin, the 2020 Australian Open winner, has seen her ranking drop to 88th in the world. She entered the quarterfinals after a loss to Yuan's compatriot Zheng Qinwen in the Pan Pacific Open final in Tokyo and appeared to be hampered by a thigh injury, competing with a protective bandage.
\"I knew my opponent played very well last week, but she wasn't at her best today due to injury,\" Yuan commented post-match. \"I felt I could perform well, and although there were some ups and downs during the match, I played better than in my previous match. I hope to continue this form into the next round.\"
Throughout the tournament, Yuan has shown impressive skill, having previously defeated two-time Grand Slam winner Simona Halep of Romania in the first round and rallying from a set down to overcome Japan's Nao Hibino in the round of 16.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
