Andreeva fights off Alexandrova to set up China Open semi-final with Bartunkova

Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva overcame compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova 7-6(4) 7-6(3) on Thursday to reach the China Open semi-finals where she ‌will face Czech Nikola Bartunkova in a young-guns showdown at the WTA 1000 event in Beijing.

French Open champion Andreeva, 19, broke 19th seed Alexandrova to move 2-0 ahead before falling 5-3 behind in a fluctuating opening set as both players struggled to hold serve. The teenager, however, recovered to edge the tiebreak.

Andreeva seemed firmly on course for victory in the second, leading 4-1 and serving for the match at ⁠5-3 before Alexandrova, 31, staged a late fightback to force another tiebreak.

Andreeva took control of the tiebreak with a forehand winner for a 3-2 lead and won five of the final six points to seal victory and reach her first Beijing semi-final.

“Even when I had an advantage in the second set leading 5-2, I felt like she was still pressuring me,” Andreeva said in her post-match interview.

“I felt like she was playing better and I did not take my chances. I could have played more aggressive.

“But what a match this was. I’m super happy with how it went. She played unbelievable today, and I’m very happy to get my very first win ‌against ⁠her.”