Maya Joint’s encouraging run at the Pan Pacific Open in Japan has ended with a three-set quarterfinal loss on a day when world number one Elena Rybakina pulled out with an injury.
The Australian, ranked 94 in the world, had been impressive in earlier wins over sixth-seeded Romanian Sorana Cirstea and Spain’s Cristina Bucsa to book her spot in the quarterfinals at the WTA 500 event against Kamilla Rakhimova.
The Uzbekistani won a tight first set 7-5, before Joint rebounded to claim the second by the same scoreline.
However, Rakhimova romped away in the final set to win 7-5, 5-7, 6-1 in Tokyo on Friday, local time.
Joint took the honours in first serves, landing 66 per cent compared with her opponent’s 59 per cent, and serving five aces to Rakhimova’s one.
However, the world number 66 was much more effective on her return, converting six of the 12 break points she set up, compared with the three Joint managed.
Despite the loss, the late-season Asian swing has been a welcome confidence boost for Joint.
Ranked a career-high number 28 in February, the Australian’s year had been underwhelming until she made the final at last month’s Korea Open in Seoul, where she lost to compatriot Kim Birrell.
The signs are certainly promising for the 20-year-old as she plans her assault on the Australian Open in January.
Rakhimova’s victory set up a semifinal against Leylah Fernandez.
The Canadian had an armchair ride to the semis when world number one and reigning Australian and US Open champion Rybakina withdrew from their quarterfinal because of injury.
Rybakina said she could not play because of an undisclosed injury. She stepped onto the court in Tokyo and delivered the news to fans and ended by saying, “I hope to see you all next year.”
She said she had been struggling for several days “with a little injury” and needs to be ready for next month’s WTA Finals in Indian Wells, California.
AAP
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