'Clash of the Canadians’ set to electrify Saturday’s Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open semis

(Hong Kong) The ever-popular Leylah Fernandez swept into what will be an all-Canadian semifinal encounter against 19-year-old Victoria Mboko, the youngest in the tournament, in a day of mixed fortunes for the tournament’s stars.

Backed by an enthusiastic Centre Court crowd, the former 2023 Hong Kong Tennis Open winner was made to work for her semifinal spot as Sorana Cirstea clawed her way back in the second set before finally conceding defeat 6-4, 6-4.

However, other semifinalists had a much easier qualification with the unfortunate withdrawal due to injury of tournament No. 1 seed Belinda Bencic earlier in the day, that saw Cristina Bucsa progress straight to the semi’s and who will tomorrow face Australia’s Maya Joint.

A disappointed Bencic explained, “I’m so sorry to have to withdraw today from my quarter-final match here in Hong Kong due to my thigh injury. I’ve really enjoyed my first time in Hong Kong. I’ve played a lot of tennis in the past few weeks and I did everything I could to stay healthy. but it was not to be. I would certainly love to come back to play in Hong Kong next year!”

It was also a disappointing day for Anna Kalinskaya, who was clearly struggling in the opening of her quarterfinal match against No. 3 seed Victoria Mboko. She battled valiantly on until being forced to retire early in the second set.

Despite the withdrawals, Saturday’s semifinal are set to be an electrifying experience, as Leylah goes head-to-head with her young compatriot 19-year-old Victoria, who described Leylah as a “true role-model for Canadian girls”. “It’s going to be an amazing match,” explained Leylah. “Victoria has been playing great all year. This match-up is simply great for Canadian Tennis.”

Tournament No. 5 seed Maya Joint advanced to the semifinals of her debut Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open tournament, and her second singles semifinal in Asia following the Korean Open. She won the closely-fought Centre-Court encounter 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 against Japan’s Himeno Sakatsume.

A delighted Maya said, “It’s been an amazing year, and I’m so glad to be finishing the season in Hong Kong.” In addressing a supportive Centre Court crowd she revealed, “You guys got me through this match, so thank you!”

Cheered on by an enthusiastic local Court 1 crowd, Team Hong Kong, China duo Eudice Chong and Cody Wong put up a spirited battle in their debut tournament doubles quarterfinal match against China’s Jiang Xinyu and Wang Yafan. Ultimately, however, the China pair’s experience proved the difference in a tightly-fought 7-6, 6-4 encounter.

“It’s been a very pleasing tournament,” explained Eudice. “Clearly getting through the first-round has been a big step both for me in the singles, and for us both in reaching the quarters in the doubles. We have had the tremendous advantage of now playing together here for a few years, and I think we played well and certainly had our chances today. It was just our opponents were able to step it up a bit when it really mattered.”

“After today’s game I think we have a big chance in the upcoming National Games,” explained Cody. We will be back to practice next week and get ready for that!”

With Bencic’s withdrawal, the semifinal doubles encounter between Momoko Kobori of Japan and Thailand’s Peangtarn Plipuech, facing Kamilla Rakhimova and Aliaksandra Sasnovich moved across from Court 1 to Victoria Park’s Centre Court. In a tight decider tie-break the Asian duo ultimately prevailed to progress to Saturday’s doubles finals 6-2, 4-6, 10-8.

Public tickets are now available through Klook

The ‘Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open 2025’ runs until 2 November. All main draw matches on Court 1 and Court 2 during the week will open to the public free of charge. Public tickets are now available for purchase through Klook. Cat. 1 tickets range from HK$220 to HK$970; and HK$160 to HK$760 for Cat. 2 tickets. The Tournament Village is open to the public completely free of charge throughout the event.

A 50% discount is available for those aged 18 or below, full-time students, and seniors aged 60 or above on Cat. 2 tickets.

For ticketing details, please visit: https://www.klook.com