Australia’s Arina Rodionova advances to her second WTA-level singles quarterfinal – and her first since July 2017.
Hua Hin, Thailand, 1 February 2024 | Leigh Rogers
Hua Hin, Thailand
Arina Rodionova has continued her winning run at the Thailand Open, moving into the singles quarterfinals after scoring a three-set victory against China’s Zhuoxuan Bai.
The 34-year-old Australian finished strongly to score a 3-6 6-1 6-0 victory against the world No.90 at the WTA 250 tournament.
“I just stopped thinking so much, which is better in every sport,” Rodionova said on how she bounced back from losing the opening set.
“I’m pretty happy. I just relaxed and was going for it and things were going my way in the second and then I got on a bit of roll in the third.”
It is Rodionova’s fourth top-100 win of the season (and her second this week). This equals the most she has ever recorded in a single calendar year.
This propels the world No.101 into her second career WTA singles quarterfinal – and her first since July 2017.
“I’m excited,” Rodionova said about her upcoming quarterfinal showdown with the second seed and defending champion Zhu Lin.
“The last couple of years, I haven’t played and then I was coming back and just playing lower tournaments all over the world.
“I’m just happy to be here.”
Rodionova is now projected to break into the world’s top 100 in singles next week, making her the oldest player to achieve this feat.
She is also enjoying success in doubles this week alongside China’s Yuan Yue, progressing to her first WTA-level semifinal since April 2021.
“I’ve been playing singles one day, doubles the next so it’s been okay,” Rodionova said of managing the workload in Hua Hin’s humid conditions.
“Tomorrow might be a bit tough as I have two matches, but it’s a good problem to have. I’d rather that than that I was on my way to my next tournament, so I’ll take it.”
Rodionova is a former doubles champion at the tournament, scooping the 2020 title alongside Storm Hunter.
Aussies in action – Hua Hin
RESULTS
Women’s singles, second round
Arina Rodionova (AUS) d Bai Zhuoxuan (CHN) 3-6 6-1 6-0
COMING UP
Women’s singles, quarterfinals
Arina Rodionova (AUS) v [2] Zhu Lin (CHN)
Women’s doubles, semifinals
Arina Rodionova (AUS)/Yuan Yue (CHN) v [1] Miyu Kato (JPN)/Aldila Sutjiadi (INA)
Linz, Austria
Ellen Perez and her American partner Nicole Melichar-Martinez have advanced to…
Click Here to Read the Full Original Article at Tennis.com.au – Tennis Australia…