Lulu Sun has delivered an impressive performance, rallying from a set down to defeat American player Caty McNally in the quarterfinals of the WTA 250 tournament held in Guangzhou, China. The match concluded with a score of 3-6, 6-3, 6-4 after nearly two hours of play, marking Sun’s fifth victory this year after dropping the first set. This win adds to her outstanding record, bringing her to 12 victories in her last 14 matches since the US Open.
In the opening set, Sun struggled initially, facing six break points but ultimately allowing McNally to secure the only break. However, Sun rebounded in the second set, achieving a crucial break of serve that set the stage for a competitive third set.
During the deciding set, at a pivotal moment of 2-2 and deuce, Sun showcased her determination with a stunning return that turned into a winner, followed by a powerful crosscourt backhand that clinched the game. Sun had a match point while McNally was serving at 3-5 but narrowly missed a forehand winner. She maintained her focus, creating three more match points in the next game, but McNally fought back, pushing the game to deuce.
Sun secured the match after a lengthy rally when McNally made an error, sealing her advancement to the semifinals. This outcome is particularly significant for Sun, as it marks her first entry into the semifinals of a WTA 250-level tournament or higher this year. In her next match, she will face the winner of the encounter between Claire Liu, ranked 305, and Germany’s world No. 96, Ella Seidel.
With this victory, Sun is poised to re-enter the top 100 of the world rankings, a testament to her resilience and skill on the court. Her recent performances suggest a bright future ahead, and fans can look forward to her next challenge in the semifinals.