Bencic withdraws before her quarterfinal in Hong Kong, Bucsa advances to semifinals without playing

Off to a strong start after her title in Tokyo, Belinda Bencic did not take to the court to play her quarterfinal in Hong Kong.

On a streak of six consecutive wins between her title at the WTA 500 in Tokyo and her start at the WTA 250 in Hong Kong, Bencic will not extend her run any further.

After her victories against Aliaksandra Sasnovich (6-3, 6-4) and Wang Yafan (6-2, 6-2), the world No. 11 withdrew before her quarterfinal match against Cristina Bucsa. Suffering from a thigh injury, the Swiss player sends the Spaniard into the semifinals.

"I am really disappointed to have to withdraw before my quarterfinal today in Hong Kong due to my thigh injury. I really enjoyed my first time in Hong Kong.

I have played a lot of matches in recent weeks and did everything I could to stay healthy, but it wasn't possible. I would love to come back here next year," Bencic stated to justify her withdrawal.

For a spot in the final, Bucsa, world No. 68 who hasn't lost a single set in the tournament so far, will face Maya Joint. The Australian, ranked 32nd by the WTA, eliminated Himeno Sakatsume (6-4, 2-6, 6-4 in 1h52) in the previous round.