Hometown favourite Alison Bai came from behind to book a semifinal berth at the Apis Canberra International on Friday.
Bai, the world No. 604, overcame early nerves to beat Queensland qualifier Kaylah McPhee 3-6 6-3 6-4 in just under two hours.
The 27-year-old Canberran admitted it was “foreign territory” being in a semi-finals of an USD$60,000 event, with her previous best result a semi-final in a USD$25,000 event and winning a $USD15,000.
Down 3-1 early in the first set, Bai said rescheduling the match due to the rain upset her preparation.
“I got a bit thrown off having to do a quick warm-up … I think I was a bit rattled at the start,” she said.
“I probably put a little bit more pressure on myself, especially trying to back up after yesterday’s win. I definitely didn’t need to do that. After the first set I just said ‘have fun, relax and enjoy being out here’ and was obviously able to turn it around.”
She said it definitely helps being in Canberra.
“It’s not so foreign, as to the conditions, the people and everybody else. Everyone just makes it more homely, I’m more comfortable and not so nervous as I would be if I was somewhere else.”
McPhee, who had only won one main draw match at ITF ProTour level prior to this tournament, took the set in 35 minutes. In the second set, Bai found her range and started to play more aggressively, attacking the net at every opportunity.
In a tight third set, Bai’s ability to finish of the point in the net proved the difference, with a crucial dive volley in the final game setting up the victory.
“I knew I just had to compose myself, and again, one point at a time. I just tried to play smart, obviously I needed to take a risk which I did and it paid off with a backhand line.”
Bai will now play highly fancied fourth seed Destanee Aiava (VIC), who found her range against fifth seed Tamara Zidansek (SLO), losing just four games.
“When you’re young, you have no fear and go out swinging. It will be an interesting match, but hopefully my experience will get me over the line,” Bai said.
“I’m just going to try and go out and play my game. Really the pressure’s on her, everyone is expecting her to win or at least do really well in the tournament. It will be a good match.”
In other matches, second seed Lizette Cabrera (QLD) was knocked out of the tournament in straight sets by Israel’s Julia Glushko (ranked 304). Glushko will now meet sixth seed Olivia Rogowska (VIC), a 7-5 7-5 winner over Abigail Tere-Apisah (PNG), for a place in the final.
In the men’s draw, last year’s finalist Marc Polmans (VIC) secured a semi-final berth with a commanding 7-6(3) 6-3 over American Alexander Sarkissian (USA). He will play third seed Matthew Ebden (WA), who beat Queensland wildcard Blake Ellis (QLD) 6-2 7-6 (3).
Alex Bolt (SA) make light work of Queensland qualifier Gavin Van Peperzeel \, winning 6-4 6-4 in just over an hour.
He will now take on second seed Taro Daniel, from Japan, a 7-6 (0) 6-4 winner over former US Open junior champion Omar Jasika (VIC).
Tomorrow is Kids Tennis Day at the Apis Canberra International from 9am-11am. Free ANZ Tennis Hot Shots racquets will be given away to the first 100 kids through the gates. A host of activities will be on offer including ANZ Tennis Hot Shots, Fitbit Cardio Tennis, jumping castle, face painting, Enchanted Canberra’s Elsa and Spiderman, and Reptiles Inc.
Matches will commence on Saturday at 11am with entry to the Canberra Tennis Centre by gold coin donation.
About the Apis Canberra International
The Apis Canberra International 2017 is on at the Canberra Tennis Centre until November 5 2017. Entry is free with a gold coin donation requested on finals weekend
The full order of play and qualifying draw can be found here
Live streaming for the women can be found here. Live scoring for the women’s event can be found here.
Live streaming and live scoring for the men’s event can be found here
Latest
ACT