Russian tennis player Polina Kudermetova has secured a position in the quarterfinals of the Antalya Open following the retirement of her opponent, Noma Noha Akugue, during their match on Thursday. Kudermetova, currently ranked No. 193, was leading 6-3, 3-0 when Noha Akugue, ranked No. 185, withdrew from the match at the Megasaray Tennis Academy.
The 20-year-old athlete will now proceed to face the winner of the match between Leyre Romero Gormaz and No. 5 seed Jessica Bouzas Maneiro in the upcoming round. Kudermetova’s advancement to the quarterfinals comes after her victory over wildcard Anastasiia Gureva in the previous round, with a score of 6-2, 6-0.
In an earlier round of the tournament, Noma Noha Akugue achieved victory over Austrian Julia Grabher with a score of 5-7, 7-5, 6-2. However, with her withdrawal from the match against Kudermetova, it was the Russian player who progressed to the next stage of the competition.
The Antalya WTA 125K Series at the Megasaray Tennis Academy also featured several other second-round matches, including Moyuka Uchijima vs. Darja Semenistaja, Zeynep Sonmez vs. Ella Seidel, Tara Wurth vs. Irina-Camelia Begu, and Simona Waltert vs. Elsa Jacquemot. Additionally, Polona Hercog faced Timea Babos, Leyre Romero Gormaz competed against Jessica Bouzas Maneiro, and Katarzyna Kawa challenged Olga Danilovic.
Following her recent victory, Kudermetova is now gearing up to face formidable opponents in the upcoming matches as she strives for a coveted place in the finals of the Antalya Open. The tournament, held at the Megasaray Tennis Academy on clay, offers a prize of USD 115,000 for the triumphant player.
The Antalya Open has witnessed intense competition thus far, with players giving their all to advance in the tournament. As Kudermetova prepares to confront her next opponent, fans eagerly await the exciting matches ahead and the impressive display of talent from the participating tennis players.
With her focus set on further success in the competition, Kudermetova remains determined to exhibit her skills on the court as she continues to ascend through the ranks of the Antalya Open.