‘It was a battle’ – Alison Riske advances to Nottingham Open semis after beating Dart

Alison Riske advanced to the semi-finals of the Nottingham Open after winning 4-6, 6-2, 6-1 win against Harriet Dart, as the duo came face-to-face for the first time. Sixth-seed Riske progressed to the quarters following straight-set wins over Daria Snigur and Caroline Garcia respectively. Ad/> Dart’s path to the last eight was arguably even more impressive after overcoming former champion Donna Vekic in straight sets ahead of a superb display against world no.26 Camila Giorgi.

She saved three match points to get past the Italian. WTA NottinghamRaducanu does not get 'enough credit' and has 'great future', says SakkariYESTERDAY AT 07:31 But Riske had the credentials to provide formidable opposition to the 25-year-old, having reached the 2016 final in this event and also reaching the last eight of Wimbledon three years later. However, Dart was seemingly unfazed by her opponent’s credentials with a fine start taking the first game with some confident tennis moving 2-1 up in the first set.

A double fault by Dart gave Riske a break point, which she capitalised through a wayward forehand from the Brit to move 3-2 ahead. Riske held her serve to take a 4-2 lead, but Dart fought back to win the next four games. She broke Riske’s serve twice in the process and win the first set 6-4 in 61 minutes.