Mertens defeats Kudermetova in Hobart, semi-final line-ups announced

The final quarter-final of the WTA 250 tournament in Hobart. Number 2 seed Elise Mertens faced Veronika Kudermetova for a place in the last four.

In a match where both players had their ups and downs, it was the Belgian who had the last word (6-1, 0-6, 6-2 in 2h03 of play).

This was Mertens' fifth victory over her opponent in seven matches.

In the semi-finals, the two-time tournament winner (in 2017 and 2018) and reigning finalist will face Maya Joint. The Australian, who has been in fine form this early in the season, dominated Sofia Kenin (6-3, 6-1) earlier in the day.

The other semi-final will pit McCartney Kessler (loser of Dayana Yastremska, seeded number 1) against Elina Avanesyan.

The Armenian took advantage of Amanda Anisimova's withdrawal to reach the last four.