Top-seeded Russian Ekaterina Bychkova struggled to retain her status Friday at the WTA stop in Tashkent, coming from a set down to edge Russian wildcard Evgenia Rodina 4-6, 6-1, 6-3 to advance into the semifinals.
"First, I had to overcome myself, then my opponent," said Bychkova. "I was not able to control the ball, adjust to the bounce. I was only pushing the ball, never hitting it. Thank God my serve worked. That really helped me."
The Russian was joined in the winner's circle Friday by (5) Michaella Krajicek (d. K.Bondarenko), (7) Maria Elena Camerin (d. (3) Ant.Serra Zanetti), and Uzbek wildcard Akgul Amanmuradova (d. Vesnina 7-6 in the third).
