Jiangxi Open | Leylah Fernandez held back in semi-final

(Nanchang) Defeated in three sets by Leylah Fernandez in the final in Hong Kong last week, the Czech Katerina Siniakova obtained her revenge on Saturday in the semi-final of the Jiangxi Open. This time she defeated the Quebecer 7-5 and 6-4.

Fernandez’s winning streak ended at eight.

Both players experienced service problems with a total of 12 successful breaks in this match. The winner won only 50% of the exchanges she initiated, while Fernandez did worse with 47%.

Fernandez notably lost his second and third games with balls in hand before returning to equal service. The 43^e player in the world, however, lost her last two serves to give the set to Siniakova, 60^e in the WTA rankings.

The decisive break came in the seventh game of the second set. Siniakova then took a 4-3 lead. She withstood a final break point from Fernandez — she had 13 in total — to make it 5-3, then took advantage of her first match point to end the duel.

It was Fernandez’s first defeat against Siniakova in three meetings on the WTA Tour.

In the final, Siniakova will cross swords with her compatriot Marie Bouzkova (29^e), who qualified for the final with a 7-6 (5), 6-2 victory over Diana Shnaider.

At the Japan Open, Ben Shelton (19^e) came from behind to defeat Marcos Giron (79^e) 6-7 (2), 7-6 (5) and 6-4 at the end of an all-American duel.

Shelton, who was playing in a second consecutive semi-final after Shanghai last week. He will now face Aslan Karatsev (50^e) finally.

The 21-year-old converted four of his eight break points against a player from qualifying to reach his very first career final.

“It’s a big win for me and my team, especially with the way this game played out,” Shelton said. It’s definitely one of the toughest matches I’ve played in my life.

“To be able to go through that match, not only figure some things out, but also get the win and make my first final, the win couldn’t be sweeter. »

Karatsev, for his part, put an end to the dream run of guest player Shintaro Mochizuki (215^e) in two sets of 6-3 and 6-4.

The 30-year-old Russian has not lost a set since the start of the tournament and will have the opportunity to avenge a loss to Shelton at the U.S. Open last month. This will be the second match between the two men in the ATP.