Luksika makes WTA breakthrough with semi-final place in Japan

The Thai No 1, ranked No 93 in the world, was given the win after the American second seed retired with a shoulder injury at 2-6 3-4 down. Luksika’s previous best at a WTA event was a last-eight berth in Kuala Lumpur last year.

“It was a combination of her making lots of mistakes and me playing well. She hit flat and didn’t change the pace much, which suits my game,” said the Thai, who also beat the American two years ago in New Zealand.

“I came into the match with a relaxed attitude, which is why I was playing so well. I was returning her big serves well after focusing on that with my coach [Subin Sricha-aen]. I was aware of her injury because she had her right shoulder taped. We all have injuries, but I never give any clues about my own,” said Luksika.

After trading breaks for two-all, Luksika went up a break to lead 3-2 with a whipped backhand down the line. Keys never gained momentum and, with a string of unforced from her racquet, trailed 2-5. After 27 minutes, the Thai wrapped up the opening set with a forehand service return.

The second set went with serve as the American dug in. But Key was first to lose her nerve, spraying two shots wide in the seventh game to surrender the first service-break of the set. She then called for a trainer and decided to quit after 70 minutes of play.

Luksika has lined up a semi-final clash against world No 37 Zarina Diyas of Kazakhstan who, edged 16-year-old Serbian Ana Konjuh 6-7 (4-7) 6-4 6-2. Diyas has an impressive record, reaching the fourth round at Wimbledon and third round at the US Open this year, but the Thai ace has beaten her twice before.

“Diyas is a different player now. She has changed her game and improved a lot. But I have nothing to lose and will take it one step at a time,” Luksika said.

Simon dumps Berdych in Shanghai

France’s Gilles Simon overwhelmed Tomas Berdych in a scintillating final set yesterday as he marched into the Shanghai Masters semi-finals with his second top-10 scalp in three days.

The world No 29 won 7-6 (7/4) 4-6 6-0 to enter his second successive semi-final.