Getting to the business end of the Swiss Open 2021, today was quarterfinals day in Basel. Here is what unfolded in the singles.
Carolina Marin faced the number seven seed from the USA, Zhang Beiwen. It was their seventh encounter, with Marin winning that most recent four matchups.
The last time they played was at the Denmark Open, it went to three, but today, anything other than a straight-game victory for Marin was never on the table.
-At the Denmark Open, I wasn’t myself as I had something happen in my personal life, but at the beginning of the year I changed everything, my mindset and all the focus went to my game. Now I feel very happy with the way I am playing at this tournament.
Marin won 21-13, 21-13 and will face Pornpawee Chochuwong, whom she defeated by the same scoreline in the semifinals of the World Tour Finals in January.
Nothing bad for Blichfeldt
Mia Blichfeldt took on Phittayaporn Chaiwan for the first time in her quarterfinal. After yesterday’s tough battle with Yvonne Li, the European Games champion said that she was tough on herself and hoped that she would speak to herself a little nicer today.
After 31 minutes of non-stop pressure, Blichfeldt won 21-10, 21-7, and was subsequently much more satisfied.
-There was nothing bad to tell myself today. I was more obsessed with wanting to win this match so badly, and I was so in the zone today, Blichfeldt said happily.
Tomorrow she faces P.V. Sindhu, who got through a tougher match against Busanan Ongbamrungphan. Blichfeldt scored her first win over the reigning world champion at the Thailand Open earlier this year.
Axelsen not happy but gets closer to the title
Viktor Axelsen faced the seventh seed in Shesar Hiren Rhustavito. The Indonesian is a bag of tricks but had no answer to Axelsen’s complete game. After a tight opening game, Axelsen stepped up to win 21-17, 21-12.
-It was just one of those days that I did not feel good on court. I had enough to deal with on my own side of the court, so I just focused on my own game. I am happy that I have a new day tomorrow.
The world number two’s opponent in the semifinal tomorrow will be Srikanth Kidambi. It has been a little while since the two have played. The last time was at the India Open 2019 final, with the Dane picking up the title with a 21-7, 22-20 win.
Kunlavut Vitidsarn, the teenage Thai sensation who is already making waves at senior level, dispatched India’s Ajay Jayaram in less than half an hour of play, 21-9, 21-6.
Vitidsarn will play Lee Zii Jia of Malaysia who was a smooth operator against Sai Praneeth, calmly winning 21-14, 21-17 with minimal fuss.
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