Dayana Yastremska advanced to the quarter-finals of the Upper Austria Ladies tournament held at the TipsArena in Linz after defeating Croatian qualifier Antonia Ruzic on Thursday afternoon. The match concluded with scores of 7-5, 6-1, showcasing Yastremska's ability to overcome early challenges.
The match marked the first professional encounter between the two players, as neither had previously faced off on the main tour. Starting at 2:00 PM local time, Yastremska, ranked 72nd by the WTA, demonstrated her experience against the lower-ranked Ruzic, who currently holds the 168th spot. Yastremska entered this match with confidence, having recently defeated Italian Lucia Bronzetti to reach this stage of the WTA 500 event.
Yastremska reflected on her performance, stating, "I am very glad to reach the quarter-finals here for the first time. But honestly, I am not very happy with my game today. She played really well, and I couldn’t find my rhythm at all. I was trying to play aggressively, but it felt like I was constantly hitting the ball with the frame." This candid assessment indicates her acknowledgment of the struggle she faced during the match, especially in the first set.
During the initial exchanges, both players exhibited tenacity. Ruzic started strong, leveraging her form from previous matches, yet Yastremska was able to turn the momentum. The first set held intense rallies, and Yastremska managed to break Ruzic’s serve at pivotal moments. After securing the first set 7-5, she gained the upper hand and cruised through the second set, losing only one game against Ruzic.
For Ruzic, this match was another step on her upward path, as she had defeated Egyptian Mayar Sherif to reach the second round. Her performances throughout the tournament had shown promise, yet she could not capitalize fully against the seasoned Yastremska.
The tournament setting has been competitive, with many top-seeded players contending for the title. Now, Yastremska prepares to take on Greek Maria Sakkari, the No. 3 seed, whom she respects greatly. Anticipation mounts for this quarter-final showdown scheduled for January 31.
Yastremska, who possesses noteworthy athleticism and skill, is viewed as the favorite for the upcoming match. The clash against Sakkari is expected to create excitement among tennis enthusiasts, as both competitors have faced each other previously with varying results.
This victory not only cements Yastremska’s position among competitive ranks but also builds her confidence as she aims for the title at the Upper Austria Ladies tournament, seeking to add another achievement to her professional career.