Russian teenager Mirra Andreeva defeated fellow countrywoman Ekaterina Alexandrova in a tightly contested quarter-final match at the China Open, winning 7-6 (7/4), 7-6 (7/3) on Thursday in Beijing. With this victory, the 19-year-old fourth seed secured her place in the semi-finals where she will face Nikola Bartunkova.
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Andreeva began the match strongly, building a two-game lead and dropping only three points. However, she needed to rely on her composure in two tie-breaks to overcome the 28th-ranked Alexandrova. The match showcased both players struggling with extended rallies in a mostly empty stadium. Andreeva's decisive forehand in the second set's tie-break was key to her success. "I am very happy that we finished this match, because I knew if it went to the third set it would be really tough for both of us," she said, praising Alexandrova's performance.
Earlier in the day, Nikola Bartunkova, ranked 34th in the world, pulled off an impressive win against Karolina Muchova, ranked seventh, with a score of 6-3, 6-0, wrapping up the match in just 66 minutes. Bartunkova displayed dominance, winning five consecutive games quickly and maintaining pressure in the second set, leaving Muchova with little opportunity to recover. "It was an unbelievable match," Bartunkova stated. "She's a great player and also a great human being."
On Friday, matches will continue as China's Zheng Qinwen faces Ukraine's Elina Svitolina, while Poland's Iga Swiatek takes on Belgium's Elise Mertens, both competing for a spot in the semi-finals.