By Erik Gudris | Friday, April 4, 2014
Qualifier Belinda Bencic continued her dream run at the Family Circle Cup. Waiting for her in the semifinals will be Jana Cepelova who knocked out defending champion Serena Williams.
Photo Credit: Christopher Levy
17-year-old Belinda Bencic of Switzerland continues to play beyond her years as she advanced into her first ever WTA semifinal at the Family Circle Cup in Charleston.
READ - 10 Things: Belinda Bencic
No. 3 seed and former Roland Garros finalist Sara Errani made Bencic, who qualified for the event, work though in their Friday quarterfinal meeting. After earning a quick break lead, Errani pushed an often emotional Bencic around the court before closing out the opening set 6-4.
Bencic responded by playing more aggressive and take Errani's shots earlier in the rallies. That allowed the teenager to take the second set and force a decider. With Errani looking more frustrated at Bencic's tactics, the third set again swung in favor of the younger player.
Though Bencic double faulted when down break points while serving for the match at 5-0, it only delayed the inevitable. Bencic claimed the final game to complete the 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 victory.
Not only does the result send Bencic into her first ever WTA main draw semifinal, her efforts this week are projected to boost her ranking inside the top 100.
"I think all her game is really good, and I had problems in the beginning because we played the first time and I didn't know her so good," Bencic said about playing Errani. "I didn't know what it feels like to play her, but then I could adapt, and yeah, just step in more for the spin balls."
Cepelova Overwhelms Hantuchova in All-Slovakian Match
No. 78 ranked Jana Cepelova backed up her surprise upset of World No.1 and two-time defending champion Serena Williams with yet another solid result.
In an-all Slovakian quarterfinal, Cepelova faced fellow Fed Cup teammate Daniela Hantuchova in the last quarterfinal.
Despite Hantuchova's veteran status, she had few answers against Cepelova who dominated proceedings from the start. Not allowing Hantuchova any chance to recover, Cepelova rolled to a 6-2, 6-1 victory.
When asked about her thought taking on Bencic for a spot in the finals, Cepelova said, "She's first meeting with this player. I don't know really much (about) her, but I would like to prepare for 100 percent tomorrow, be physically and (mentally) ready, and I would like to play my game and try my best."