MANILA – Filipino Alexandra Eala defeated fifth seed Marga Linette of Poland, 6-3, 6-2, to reach the ASB Classic semifinal in Auckland, New Zealand on Friday.
The fourth-seeded Eala will face No. 7 Chinese Xinyu Wang, who was leading 6-4, 4-3 when her opponent, Francesca Jones of Great Britain, retired.
The world No. 53 Eala previously defeated Croatians Donna Vekic, 4-6, 6-4, 6-4 (first round), and Petra Marcinko, 6-0, 6-2 (round of 16).
“I do what I can and if I see an opening, I think it’s important I go for it. Magda is such an experienced player and I had difficulties playing against her before, so I’m just happy to see my level increase and improve,” the 20-year-old winner of the Thailand Southeast Asian Games singles in December said.
Wang, ranked No. 57, also won over American Caty McNally, 2-6, 6-3, 7-5, and Mexican Renata Zarazua, 7-5, 6-4.
Meanwhile, world No. 31 and tournament top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine survived Sonay Kartal of Great Britain, 6-4, 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5), to arrange a semifinal showdown with third seed Iva Jovic of the United States.
The world No. 35 Jovic prevailed over Sofia Costoulas of Belgium, 6-2, 7-6 (6). (PNA)
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