Wang Xinyu’s Singles Run Ends, Eyes Doubles Glory at Singapore Open
China’s Wang Xinyu faced a tough defeat against Belgium’s Elise Mertens in the women’s singles semifinals at the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA) Singapore Open on Saturday. The No. 4 seed battled hard but ultimately fell 6-3, 6-4 to the second-seeded Mertens.
The Singapore Open marked Wang’s fourth tournament in just a month, showcasing her dedication and stamina on the court. Her grueling quarterfinal match against Switzerland’s Jil Teichmann spanned over three hours on Friday, where Wang mounted an impressive comeback to win 6(5)-7, 7-6(4), 6-4.
The intense schedule seemed to take a toll on Wang’s endurance in the semifinals. Despite leading 4-3 in the second set, she couldn’t maintain momentum, conceding three consecutive games to Mertens. This loss marks Wang’s sixth bid to reach a WTA Tour final in singles.
Mertens advances to the final to face Ann Li of the United States. Li secured her spot after her opponent, Russia’s Anna Kalinskaya, retired due to injury early in the second set. Li had clinched the first set 7-6(2) and was leading 1-0 in the second.
While Wang’s singles journey has ended, she’s not done yet at the Singapore Open. Teaming up with compatriot Zheng Saisai, the duo defeated Japan’s Nao Hibino and Georgia’s Oksana Kalashnikova 6-3, 6-2 in the women’s doubles semifinals.
Wang and Zheng now set their sights on the doubles title, where they’ll face Desirae Krawczyk of the United States and Giuliana Olmos of Mexico. Krawczyk and Olmos progressed after their British opponents, Maia Lumsden and Harriet Dart, retired in their semifinal match.
The upcoming doubles final offers Wang a chance at redemption and a title to cap off her intense month on the tour. Fans will be eager to see if she and Zheng can clinch the championship.
