Elise Mertens beats Iga Swiatek to reach Beijing semifinals

Elise Mertens defeated Iga Swiatek 7-6 (0), 6-3 in the China Open quarterfinals in Beijing on October 9, setting up a semifinal against Zheng Qinwen.

Mertens won all seven points in the first-set tiebreak. Sport-Express reported that she converted one of four break points, hit five aces and made one double fault. Swiatek hit one ace, made no double faults and converted no break points.

The match lasted approximately one hour and 50 minutes. The WTA listed 1:50, while Sport-Express reported 1:51.

The WTA said Mertens reached the tournament's semifinals for the first time. Zheng had earlier beaten Elina Svitolina. Their next match will determine who advances to the final.