The China Open has reached its penultimate stage, featuring the second-to-last WTA 1000 tournament of the season. The 96-player singles draw is now narrowed down to the final four competitors. WTA Finals qualifier Mirra Andreeva will face rising star Nikola Bartunkova for a place in the championship match, while home favorite Zheng Qinwen is set to compete against Elise Mertens in the other semifinal.
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As the tournament progresses, attention also turns to the standout shots from the second week in Beijing. Highlights include stellar performances from Sun Xinran, Jelena Ostapenko, and Sara Bejlek.
Sun Xinran made an impression during her WTA debut, showcasing her talent with a running forehand pass while serving to take a 3-2 lead against Coco Gauff. However, Gauff ultimately won the match 7-5, 6-1.
Jelena Ostapenko executed a remarkable pickup volley off her shoelaces while serving at 2-4, 15-all in the third set against Mertens. Despite Ostapenko’s impressive shot, Mertens took the match with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-3.
Marie Bouzkova demonstrated outstanding court coverage and variety in her match against Zheng before finishing a point with an impressive counter drop shot. Zheng prevailed in this match, winning 7-6 (3), 4-6, 7-5.
Kamilla Rakhimova battled against Iva Jovic, who delivered powerful shots, but Rakhimova secured a point with a full-stretch backhand winner into the open court. Jovic won the match 6-1, 7-5.
Finally, Sara Bejlek’s speed and anticipation shone through as she outmaneuvered Naomi Osaka, winning a point with an impressive pass down the line while leading 4-3 in the first set. However, Osaka ultimately took the match 7-6 (4), 6-4.