Wang dominates Muguruza to charge into Zhuhai final

China’s number one Wang Qiang outclassed double grand slam winner Garbine Muguruza yesterday to book a place in the final of the WTA Elite Trophy against Ashleigh Barty.

The 26-year-old took full advantage of a late call-up to the semi-final tie in Zhuhai after American Madison Keys pulled out just hours before the match started. Spurred on by home fans at the Hengqin International Tennis Center, 11th seed Wang dominated the former world number one, winning 11 games in a row to take the match 6-2, 6-0. The world number 22 looked calm and focused during the 73-minute semi-final, while Muguruza appeared out of sorts and frustrated, clattering her racket on to the court in the second set.

Muguruza told her postmatch press conference Wang’s performance was “excellent”, adding: “She was playing incredible shots and not missing anything.” Asked if she was affected by the last-minute change of opponent, she said: “I mean, these things happen. I was ready to play a tough match, either it’s Keys or Wang, whoever it is. “But, no, I think I played a very tough opponent today. Maybe she was also a little bit surprised that she was playing and a little bit more relaxed.” Wang’s victory sets up a final clash on Sunday with Australia’s Barty, who earlier overcame defending champion Julia Goerges 4-6, 6-3, 6-2.