Andreeva reaches China Open semi-final after beating Alexandrova

Russian fourth seed Mirra Andreeva defeated compatriot Ekaterina Alexandrova to reach the China Open semi-finals. The teenager won 7-6(7/4), 7-6(7/3) in Beijing.

Andreeva, 19, made an early breakthrough before Alexandrova recovered to lead 5-3. However, the French Open champion fought back and won the opening-set tiebreak. She then built a 4-1 lead in the second set.

Andreeva served for the match at 5-3 but Alexandrova mounted another comeback. The 31-year-old forced a second tiebreak after saving Andreeva’s advantage. Andreeva then won five of the final six points to secure victory.

Earlier, Czech 26th seed Nikola Bartunkova reached her first WTA 1000 semi-final. The 20-year-old defeated seventh seed Karolina Muchova 6-3, 6-0 in just 67 minutes. Bartunkova won 12 of the final 13 games.

Bartunkova will make her top-30 debut after her impressive Beijing run. She previously stunned four-time Grand Slam champion Aryna Sabalenka in the last 32. Andreeva said she was pleased with her performance against Alexandrova and praised her opponent’s level.