Julia Görges is in the semifinals of the Elite Trophy in Zhuhai! With a 6:2 and 7:6 (5) victory over Elise Mertens, the German still qualifies for the round of the last four after her defeat at the opening match in China.
Görges started well in the match against the Belgian and quickly took the lead 4:2. The German, who had lost her opening match against Anett Kontaveit in three sets and therefore had to win against Mertens in two rounds, dominated from the baseline with her serve and strong shots.
With another break to 6:2 the second set had to bring the decision about the promotion. Mertens started better and held her serve until 5:3, but then Görges attacked the service of her opponent and set it at 6:5.
Mertens now had to serve against the elimination. Görges quickly took the lead with 40:0 and thus had three chances to reach the semifinals. But Mertens remained cool and was able to defuse all three break possibilities. With two good serves she then sent the passage into an all-decisive tiebreak.
This player also started very balanced at first – the two players changed sides at the score of 3:3. With a minibreak to 6:5 Görges won another match point. And this time, use it! With the 6:2 and 7:6 (5)-success Görges is still on course to defend his title.