HAMBURG/STARNBERG, November 2, 2024

Mona Barthel keeps the hope for a German victory alive at the Hamburg Henssler at Home Ladies Cup. The Neumünster native won her quarterfinal duel against the US-American Vivian Wolff 6-4, 6-3 on Friday. Unlike the previous rounds, where the 34-year-old was already close to elimination, Barthel found her rhythm this time.

“I think I was somewhat seeking my level, but today it was there from the beginning, and I was able to better utilize my chances,” Barthel said after the match.

With her serve and aggressive baseline play, the World No. 178 dominated her opponent. In the semifinal, Czech No. 8 seed Barbora Palicova awaits. The 20-year-old defeated her clubmate and fourth favourite Dominika Salkova  6-4, 6-4.

“We have never played against each other. So it was something new again. But I’m looking forward to having another match and maybe I can make it to the final,” Barthel commented on her upcoming match.

In the other semifinal, top-seeded Briton Sonay Kartal and the Finn Anastasia Kulikova will go head-to-head. Kulikova managed to defeat the Spanish qualifier Kaitlin Quevedo. In her 6-4, 6-4 victory, Kulikova impressed with her serve and strong forehand. The crucial break in the second set, where several tight points went in Kulikova’s favor, tipped the match in her side.

“The balls here have been very slow, so a good serve naturally helps to have many free points. I’m now happy to be in the semifinal,” said the World No. 296.

Kartal secured a  7-6, 6-1 victory over No. 7 seed Sinja Kraus of Austria. The in-form Briton had her problems in the first set. However, despite falling behind in the tiebreak, Kartal was able to win it and overcome her opponent. In the second set, Kartal played more freely, reinforcing her favorite status for the tournament victory at the ITF World Tennis Tour W75 event.

For the Hamburg Henssler at Home Ladies Cup results, please click here.