Leylah reaches Monterrrey semis

MANILA, Philippines — Leylah Fernandez essayed a hard-earned 7-6 (4), 6-4 win over Qiang Wang of China to reach the semifinals of the Abierto GNP Seguros in Monterrey, Mexico yesterday.

Fernandez, the reigning champion and this year’s No. 2 seed, survived a scare in the opening frame before breaking free in the next set.

Ranked No. 21 in the Women’s Tennis Association (WTA), the 19-year-old Fernandez previously bested another Chinese in Qinwen Zheng, 6-1, 4-6, 7-6 (3).

Meanwhile, top seed Elina Svitolina of Ukraine bowed out of contention with a sorry 6-1, 5-7, 6-7 defeat at the hands of Colombia’s Camila Osorio.

Brazil’s Beatriz Haddad Maia beat Czech Republic’s Marie Bouzkova 4-6, 6-4, 7-6 (9/7).