Antonia Ružić outlasted sixth-seeded Wang Xinyu 6-3, 4-6, 6-2 on Thursday to reach the 2026 Hong Kong Open quarterfinals and close the book on the Chinese star's frustrating season.
The match marked the Croatian's fourth trip to a tour-level quarterfinal in 2026, earned over a grinding two hours and 23 minutes at Victoria Park.
Wang Xinyu Ends "Challenging" Season in Hong Kong
But the win didn't come without a fight from Wang, as the world No. 38 briefly steadied herself by taking the second set 6-4.
Still, Ružić regained control in the decider, breaking early and pulling away for the 6-2 finish. After the loss, Wang admitted she needed to get back to basics after a season spent searching for consistency.
"It’s been a challenging year," she said. "Tennis is a sport with massive ups and downs; you can play well and then not so well, but you just come back."
Ružić, meanwhile, continues to build on a breakout season. The 23-year-old first gained attention in February when she upset No. 1 Elena Rybakina on her way to the Dubai quarterfinals.
For Wang, whose career highlight remains a 2023 doubles title at Roland Garros alongside Hsieh Su-wei, the offseason offers a chance to reset before 2027.
