Can Dart keep the momentum? She continued her sparkling run at the Guangzhou Open, beating former world No. 2 Paula Badosa to book her second WTA semi‑final.
The British No. 3 rallied after a 6‑3 first‑set loss, then seized the next two sets 6‑2, 6‑4, marking her fifth straight win and a career‑high performance.
“I really needed to hang in there during the tough moments, and maybe I’d get a chance. Luckily I grabbed my chances today and I’m thrilled to be in the semi‑final.”
“It’s been ages since I’ve reached the latter stages of a WTA event, so I’m incredibly proud.”
Dart’s first semi‑final since the 2024 Transylvania Open came after victories over Tatiana Prozorova and Janice Tjen, following two qualifying wins. In my view, her breakthrough signals a new British contender.
Rybakina withdraws from Pan Pacific Open with injury
World No. 1 Elena Rybakina withdrew injured against Leylah Fernandez in the Pan Pacific Open, exiting at the quarter‑final stage.
The Kazakh star pulled out before the first point, handing Fernandez a walk‑over into Tokyo’s last four, where she will face Kamilla Rakhimova for a final berth.
“I just want to thank everyone for coming today, but unfortunately I can’t play,” the 27‑year‑old announced on court.
“I’ve been dealing with a minor injury for a couple of days.”
“It’s hard to compete at 100 % when a major tournament looms ahead.”
Rybakina had dispatched Yulia Putintseva 6‑2, 6‑3 to reach the quarters and will retain her No. 1 ranking after a year that saw her claim the Australian and U.S. Opens.
Having won Wimbledon in 2022, the 27‑year‑old Russian‑born Kazakh still needs a French Open title to complete the career Grand Slam.
She called her year‑end position “an incredibly special moment for me.”
“I’m proud of what I’ve achieved this season and the consistency I’ve shown throughout the year,” Rybakina said, adding titles in Stuttgart and Ningbo helped her first‑time rise to world No. 1.
Rybakina will receive a trophy for the feat during a special ceremony at the WTA Finals in Indian Wells, November 8‑15.