Seventh seed Klara Zakopalova is the first player to earn a semi-final berth at the 2014 Hobart International.
Zakopalova, from the Czech Republic, overcome American Alison Riske 6-4 7-5 in the quarter-finals today.
The seventh seed elected to receive in the opening game, a decision that paid immediate dividends as she secured an early break.
Riske broke immediately back, with both players being aggressive and attacking the other’s serve. Multiple breaks ensued, until the American was finally able to hold for the first time in the fifth game.
Games continued on serve until the ninth game, where Zakopalova broke the world no.55 to love before serving out the first set, winning eight of the final nine points.
The Czech player broke again in the opening game of the second set, only to again to be immediately broken back.
Riske’s level lifted, helping her take the momentum and race to a 5-2 lead.
With the match looking destined to head to a third set, Zakopalova responded by breaking Riske’s serve to love when the American served for the set.
It was the momentum shift Zakopalova needed and she charged home from there, winning the final five games of the match.
“It was a very tough match today because she is a young and talented player. I’m very happy that I’m through,” Zakopalova said.
The vast experience level between the two players was evident in the crucial stage of the second set. The 23 year-old American who broke into the top 100 for the first time last year, was playing in her first WTA level quarter-final on hard court. Zakopalova is a veteran on tour, having won two career titles and reached a career-high ranking of 20 last season.
Zakopalova explained she relaxed when under pressure in the second set, helping her claw back the deficit.
“I told myself ‘c’mon, there is a third set you still have a chance so you have nothing to lose, just relax and do your best’ and it was working suddenly,” she said.
This is the eighth time the 31 year-old Zakopalova is competing in Hobart. Tomorrow will be her second semi-final appearance, equaling her best result at the tournament in 2011.
Her semi-final opponent will be top seed Samantha Stosur from Australia.
“I’m playing very good right now and I’m happy my confidence is back after a few losses last year in the end,” Zakopalova said. “I have nothing to lose tomorrow. I’ll just give 100 per cent and see if it is enough.”