Guangzhou International Women’s Open, China 

Women’s Semifinals: [37] Jelena Jankovic (SRB) vs. [54] Ana Konjuh (CRO)

When you watch Jankovic play you sense the joy she feels competing.  It radiates from the brilliant smile she wears almost constantly.  That has to be the only explanation why she keeps playing despite multiple setbacks due to injury.  She battles on currently despite lingering pain in her foot and did not get discouraged when she faced the prospect of losing the second set.  Konjuh still just a teenager will settle into her skills as she matures; however, Jankovic won today’s battle 7-5, 7-6(7).  She will contest her second consecutive final in Guangzhou.

 

Toray Pan Pacific Open, Japan

[3] Garbine Muguruza (ESP) vs. [20] Elina Svitolina (UKR)

Muguruza continues to be plagued by various injuries.  Today the rust showed as she got off to a very slow start.  Svitolina lost control of the match in the second set and seemed to have disappeared mentally in the third when she went down an early break; however, she was able to bounce back unlike her opponent.  Riding her new-found wave of confidence she disrupted and destroyed the shaky confidence of Muguruza and despite the flurry of breaks early in the third, she settled down to win 6-2, 4-6, 6-3.

 

St. Petersburg Open, Russia

[27] Alexander Zverev (GER) vs. [53] Mikhail Youzhny (RUS)

Can Zverev win his first title here?  He played brilliantly today against a very tricky opponent; however, his next opponent in the semifinals will be Tomas Berdych. Zverev has lost all four encounters.  He managed to win at least a set in three out of those four matches; however, he will have to bring his top form to topple Berdych tomorrow.  He does have a good chance though, as Berdych has not been at his best this tournament.

SOURCE OF IMAGES USED: Creative Commons