Heavy showers interrupt Angelique Kerber’s march to quarter-finals at Hong Kong Open
Officials work tirelessly to dry sodden Centre Court, but weather won on the day as two matches are postponed, while lucky Jelena Jankovic remains on track to defend her title
There was not a dry towel left in Victoria Park on Wednesday as heavy rain showers played havoc with the action at the Prudential Hong Kong Tennis Open where volunteers battled in vain to ensure a conclusion to the day’s play.
As the rain fell in the evening session, an army of officials worked tirelessly to dry the sodden Centre Court before the decision was reluctantly taken to abandon the day’s play with just one singles match completed.
Serbian Jelena Jankovic was lucky to complete her match against friend and fellow Serbian Aleksandra Krunic in a hard-fought 6-3, 6-4 win to reach the quarter-finals of the US$250,000 International series event, but world number one Angelique Kerber and American youngster Louisa Chirico were not as fortunate.
Jankovic, the reigning champion, stayed on course to defend her title after wrapping up the win against her doubles partner and former protégé in 86 minutes.
Jankovic said the 23-year-old Krunic had a big future in the game and on the evidence of some deft play and smart shot selection that forced the 31-year-old to dig deep on several occasions she could be right.
Watch: Jelena Jankovic in action against Aleksandra Krunic