Jiangxi Open 2023: Leylah Fernandez Clinches Two Wins to Reach Semifinals | Day 5



by FAIZAN CHAUDHARY

Jiangxi Open 2023: Leylah Fernandez Clinches Two Wins to Reach Semifinals | Day 5
Jiangxi Open 2023: Leylah Fernandez Clinches Two Wins to Reach Semifinals | Day 5 © Hector Vivas/GettyImages

Day 5 of the 2023 Jiangxi Open proved to be a whirlwind, with several top-tier tennis talents returning to the courts after Thursday's matches were washed out by inclement weather. The day belonged to Leylah Fernandez, who continued her domination with an impressive winning streak, now at eight matches in a row.

Fresh off her championship win at the Hong Kong Open, the Canadian tennis sensation clinched two crucial victories, first taking down You Xiaodi with a 6-4, 6-1 score, followed by a decisive 6-3, 6-4 triumph against Aliaksandra Sasnovich in the quarterfinals.

This stellar performance has set up a riveting semifinal against Katerina Siniakova – a rematch from their recent clash in Hong Kong. Speaking of Siniakova, the Czech star advanced to the semis but in an unexpected turn.

While she showcased her prowess by ousting the seventh seed Varvara Gracheva 6-4, 6-3, Laura Siegemund's unforeseen withdrawal handed Siniakova a straight pass into the semifinals. With only one match under her belt on Friday, she might have a slight advantage in terms of energy and recovery against the twice-victorious Fernandez.

Maria Bouzkova's form was another highlight. The third seed effortlessly sailed past Camila Osorio in straight sets, 6-0, 6-4. While she's been shining in doubles this year, with recent victories at the China Open and the Korea Open, this run at the Jiangxi Open marks a notable singles breakthrough, setting her sights on her first final in over a year.

Another emerging star, Diana Shnaider, continued to make waves in her debut WTA season. The Russian prodigy advanced to her third semifinal of the year, defeating Nao Hibino 6-0, 7-5. After a slight setback in Zhengzhou, she's back in form and will face Bouzkova for a shot at the finals.

Day 5 Snapshot - Jiangxi Open 2023 Results:

Women's Singles:

  • Katerina Siniakova def. (7) Varvara Gracheva: 6-4, 6-3
  • Leylah Fernandez def. You Xiaodi: 6-4, 6-1; and Aliaksandra Sasnovich: 6-3, 6-4
  • (3) Maria Bouzkova def.

    Camila Osorio: 6-0, 6-4

  • Diana Shnaider def. Nao Hibino: 6-0, 7-5

Women's Doubles:

  • (4) Eri Hozumi/Makoto Ninomiya def. Jiang Xinyu/Hanyu Guo: 6-4, 6-3