SmartCentres Kinetic Florida Open: ElSherbini Shows Experience to Reach Semi-Finals

Nour ElSherbini saw off the threat off Sivasangari Subramaniam to reach the semi-finals of the SmartCentres Kinetic Florida Open. 

The Malaysian came into this tournament at a career-high ranking of No.14 in the world having won her first World Tour title at the back end of 2023, and got past England’s Lucy Beecroft in round two. 

The World No.1 would prove to be a step too far for the No.6 seed, though, despite the first two games being touch-and-go throughout. 

In fact, Subramaniam will likely be disappointed not to have won at least one of the first two games, most notably the second, when she lead throughout the early rallies before opening the door for ElSherbini. 

Ultimately, ElSherbini showed her class and experience when it mattered most in both games, although she did need three game balls to win the second, closing it out on a precise backhand volley drop. 

That appeared to take the wind out of Subramaniam’s sails too, as the Egyptian star cruised through game three for the loss of only three points, setting up a semi-final clash with the USA’s Olivia Weaver. 

“I’m just glad I won in three actually,” ElSherbini said after her win. 

“It was very tricky for the second match. Siva has been playing amazingly since she came back, and I know she’s very dangerous and very skillful. 

“I’m very happy that the first two games went my way. If I’d lost one of them I don’t know which way the match was going to go, so I’m really happy I won the first two, and I’m happy to finish the third like I did.” 

Result: [1] Nour ElSherbini (EGY) bt [5] Sivasangari Subramaniam (MAS) 3-0: 11-8, 11-9, 11-3 (34m)