Four Matches, One Goal: The Semis

After a darkness delay Wednesday evening, Renata Zarazúa and Claire Liu wrapped up their epic three-set battle to begin singles play yesterday. The match resumed at 6-6 in the third set; Zarazúa started the breaker poised and focused, committing few errors as she jumped to a 4–1 lead before the changeover. She went on to close it out 7–4, booking her spot in the quarterfinals where she’ll face her doubles partner from yesterday’s matches, Ellie Mandlik.

Iva Jovic faced a tough challenge from Anastasia Gasanova, who played outstanding tennis to give the top seed a real scare. Jovic, however, stayed composed and relied on her sharp shot-making to turn the momentum and take the match in three sets.

In doubles action, there were several notable upsets, including the second seeds falling to Americans Claire Liu and Louisa Chirico. Meanwhile, sisters Carmen and Ivana Corley defeated the wildcard duo of Mary Lewis and Jennifer Jackson. The Corley sisters have already captured doubles titles this summer on both grass and hard courts, winning at the Hall of Fame Open and the Porto Open.

Today, a Longhorn showdown is brewing in at the inaugural AUSTIN125 as Malaika Rapolu faces Carmen Herea for a spot in the semifinals. Rapolu is riding high after her best WTA Tour result yet, reaching the quarterfinals with impressive wins over Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume and, most notably, Alycia Parks — her biggest victory to date. Meanwhile, Herea enters the match on a scorching streak, dropping barely a set and coming off a finals appearance at the prestigious All-American ITA Championships.

“It’s awesome to have another Longhorn having a good week here in Austin,” Rapolu said about tomorrow’s match up. “I’m just excited for another battle tomorrow!” Grab your popcorn — this is one matchup you won’t want to miss!

The lineup promises several exciting battles for a spot in the semifinals. Marina Stakusic faces veteran Varvara Lepchenko in a clash of youthful firepower versus experience. Mandlik will test her aggressive baseline game against Zarazúa’s crafty defense. And top seed Jovic looks to cement her place in the final four as she meets Mary Stoiana in an all-American showdown.