The world No 1 prevailed 6-4, 6-2 in Shenzhen to eliminate her opponent and set up a semi-final against Simona Halep or Karolina Pliskova 1.58pm GMT Switzerland’s Belinda Bencic sealed a semi-final against Elena Svitolina after her opponent, Kiki Bertens, became the latest player forced out of the WTA Finals by injury.With the first set heading for a tie-break, an emotional Bertens took an unexpected coaching break, telling her coach she was finding it difficult to bend down for shots. 12.25pm GMT Ashleigh Barty bounced back from her surprise defeat to Kiki Bertens, comfortably beating Petra Kvitova 6-4, 6-2 to seal top spot in the Red Group and a semi-final place at the WTA Finals in Shenzhen.After an even start, Barty broke in the fifth game of the first set with a forehand winner, and held in the next as Kvitova missed three break-point opportunities. With humid, slippery conditions affecting both players, Barty defended another break point in the eighth game before serving out the set. Continue reading…
Via: WTA Finals: Barty and Bencic through as tearful Bertens is forced to retire
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