Brashna Kasi
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:03 pm GMT
Olivia Gadecki is making headlines as she reaches the semi-finals of the WTA Guadalajara Open, marking a significant milestone in her blossoming tennis career. The 22-year-old Australian player has not only secured her place in the semi-finals but is also on the verge of overtaking Daria Saville to become Australia’s highest-ranked female player.
Historic Achievement in Guadalajara
Gadecki advanced to her first WTA semi-final after defeating Italy’s Martina Trevisan with a score of 6-2, 3-6, 6-1. The match took place on Saturday (AEST) at the hard courts of the Complejo Panamericano de Tenis in Guadalajara. This victory is particularly notable as Trevisan reached the semi-finals of the French Open in 2022, making Gadecki’s achievement even more impressive.
Despite struggling with her first serve during the match, Gadecki effectively showcased her skills, winning 69% of points when she managed to serve. She also recorded four aces and converted eight of ten break-point opportunities, a testament to her resilience and competitive spirit.
Rapid Rise in Rankings
With her recent performances, Gadecki is poised to break into the WTA top 100. Currently ranked No. 152, her success in Guadalajara could propel her past Saville, who is currently sidelined with a foot injury. Gadecki’s impressively consistent week in Mexico has included victories over three top-100 players, including her career-best win against world No. 11 Danielle Collins. She also defeated former US Open champion and world No. 3 Sloane Stephens, further proving her capability on the court.
Gadecki expressed her pride and joy post-match, stating, “There are a lot of things I am proud of this week… I’m all around really proud of myself.” Her achievements this week not only signify her potential but also build confidence as she prepares for upcoming tournaments.
Next Steps in the Tournament
In the semi-finals, Gadecki will face Colombia’s Camila Osorio, who has made history by becoming the first Colombian to reach the semi-finals of a 500-level tournament. Osorio advanced by defeating Kamilla Rakhimova with a score of 7-6 (8-6), 6-1.
Meanwhile, in the other semi-final matchup, fourth-seeded Caroline Garcia will go up against fifth-seeded Magdalena Frech. Garcia received a walkover into the semi-finals after Marie Bouzkova withdrew due to illness.
Looking Ahead to Melbourne
As Gadecki aims for her first major tournament entry, she is optimistic about her chances for the upcoming Australian Open in January. Having reached the second round of the Australian Open in 2023, the ongoing improvements in her game, highlighted by her performances this week, suggest a promising future for the young athlete.
The Guadalajara Open is a vital opportunity for Gadecki not only to improve her ranking but also to gain invaluable experience on the WTA circuit. As she continues her journey, fans and analysts alike will be keenly watching her progress in the tournament and her potential impact on Australian women’s tennis.
This week, Olivia Gadecki showed how much she’s improving in tennis. Her hard work is helping her move up in the WTA rankings and making Australian tennis more popular around the world.
