Sport · Malaysia Bureau
Mertens upsets Swiatek to reach Beijing semi-finals
Belgian veteran Elise Mertens continued an impressive run at the China Open by defeating world No. 1 Iga Swiatek, advancing to the semi-finals where she will face Zheng Qinwen.
LSN Malaysia ·
Elise Mertens produced a standout performance at the China Open in Beijing on Thursday, dispatching top-seeded Iga Swiatek to secure a place in the semi-finals of the WTA 1000 event. The 30-year-old Belgian, currently ranked 19th in the world, overcame her Polish opponent in a display that underscored her continued competitive mettle on the professional circuit.
Mertens' victory marks a significant achievement in her recent form, as she has now defeated multiple Grand Slam champions in consecutive matches during this tournament. The result propels her into her third WTA 1000 semi-final appearance, representing her best performance at this level since 2021.
The Belgian will now face Chinese player Zheng Qinwen in the semi-final round, as she bids to advance further in the prestigious Beijing tournament. Mertens' resurgence at the China Open demonstrates her ability to compete at the highest levels of women's tennis, despite being among the older players on the professional tour.
The semi-final clash between Mertens and Zheng promises to be a compelling fixture, with both players seeking to reach the championship final and claim the title at one of Asia's premier tennis events.