World number 2, Simona Halep, was ousted in the Guangzhou quarterfinals by 74th ranked Denisa Allertova of the Czech Republic in just 72 minutes: 6-4, 6-3. This was the biggest win of 22-year-old Allertova’s career and only her second victory over a top ten player. She recently sent Carla Suarez Navarro home in the first round at the US Open. Allertova was able to capitalize on the Romanian’s second serve, winning 70% of the points.
Shortly after the biggest win of her career, a delighted Allertova spoke with wtatennis.com.
“I have amazing feelings, because I won against Simona Halep – she’s a great player, ranked No.2. I can breathe now!” Allertova told wtatennis.com.
“I don’t know, I was just trying to focus every point, not looking who’s on the other side, just focusing on myself and playing my tennis. I was fighting every point and it worked. I’m just so happy now.” She added.
Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium, who moved up 30 spots in the rankings to 56 after her title in Tokyo last week, continued her winning streak. She bested the 6th seed and defending champion, Monica Niculescu from Romania in another quick match of 70 minutes: 6-2, 6-2. Wickmayer did well in her service games and was able to break her opponent six times.
Sara Errani of Italy moved on to the semifinals breezing past the last player from China left in the tournament, Saisai Zheng: 6-1, 6-0. The 3rd seed saved six of seven break points and converted six of nine opportunities on Zheng’s serve.
Serbian fourth seed Jelena Jankovic defeated Russian veteran Svetlana Kuznetsova in a closer contest: 6-2, 7-5. These two players had faced each other thirteen times before, with Jankovic now leading the head-to-head 7-6.
In the semifinals on Friday, Errani will face Allertova – their first meeting. In the other match Wickmayer will play Jankovic for the third time in her career (Jankovic has won both previous matches in 2010 and 2012).
