Quarterfinal preview: Andreeva, Muchova eye semifinal berths

Mirra Andreeva powered her way through her campaign in Beijing so far, losing just one set and conceding just 15 games total in three matches. Now, only one person stands in the way of her first China Open semifinal — an opponent who has defeated her in each of their two meetings. 

As the quarterfinals open on Day 9 of the China Open, the fourth-seeded Andreeva will take on No. 19 seed Ekaterina Alexandrova on Thursday. 

The draw has opened up for the 19-year-old Andreeva, as she is the highest remaining seed. Despite a tournament full of surprises, the Roland Garros champion feels that her form is improving each time she steps onto the court.

“I do think with every match that I play, I play better,” Andreeva said. “I think that’s a good sign. I also feel more comfortable with every match that I get to play.”

In her opening match at the China Open, Andreeva lost her first set 6-3 to Yuan Yue. She responded to back-to-back 6-0 sets for the win and to get her tournament rolling. 

However, Andreeva now faces a familiar face. 

“Well, one thing I do know for sure, I didn’t beat her yet,” Andreeva joked of Alexandrova. “I will try my best with (her coach) Conchita (Martinez) to see how I play against her, what to change, try something new that I can try to bring into the match.”

Alexandrova is no stranger to pulling off upsets, having defeated Wimbledon champion and No. 5 seed Linda Noskova in the Round of 16.

In Thursday’s other quarterfinal, it will be an all-Czech battle, No. 7 seed Karolina Muchová against No. 26 seed Nikola Bartunkova. After Bartunkova upset No. 2 seed Aryna Sabalenka, the 20-year-old continued her run with a three-set win over Sinja Kraus on Tuesday. 

Yet with her WTA Finals hopes on the line, Muchová will be a force to be reckoned with, hoping to secure a spot in the semifinals and inch closer toward her second WTA 1000 title of the year. 

By Maya Sabapathy