Windy City Open 2024 Presented By The Walter Family QF: El Hammamy Impresses in Win Over Gilis

Hania El Hammamy set up a rematch of the 2022 final at the Windy City Open, beating Tinne Gilis 3-0 to reach the last four of this year’s event. 

Gohar got the better of El Hammamy with the title on the line two years ago, but the 23-year-old will have a shot at revenge in tomorrow’s semi-finals, after sweeping Gilis aside in just 38 minutes. 

El Hammamy had never been beaten by the Belgian in eight previous meetings, but the two this season had both gone to at least four games. 

Gilis also came into this tournament having reached the final of her two most recent tournaments, and had not dropped a game so far in Chicago. 

She was, though, outplayed from start to finish by the Egyptian, who set the tone with a fast start, charging into a 3-0 lead. 

A lovely hold on a forehand winner at 5-3 drew the appreciation of the crowd, and they didn’t have to wait long to see the World No.2 close out game one, with Gilis tinning a forehand boast on game ball.

Another fast start in the second took the game quickly away from Gilis, as El Hammamy brought up six game balls on an overhand forehand which just died in the back-left corner. 

She clinched the game on an elegant backhand volley, high above her left shoulder, but faced her first moment of adversity at 3-1 down in game three. 

Undeterred, El Hammamy erased the deficit in the blink of an eye, but Gilis stuck with her well, giving it her all as she somehow levelled at 6-6, scrambling around the court to win a rally she looked out of at least twice. 

That perhaps took the wind out of Gilis’s sails, though, especially as El Hammamy returned the favour on the very next rally, winning a point she had no right to win.

The Egyptian won the next three points to bring up four match balls, but only needed one, flicking a forehand winner cross court and letting out a huge cry of emotion.

“I’ve always found playing against Tinne very tricky and it’s always been tough,” she said, after her win. 

“This season it’s been either in four or five, so I’m definitely pleased to win in three today. She’s a very good friend off court and it’s always hard playing against a friend. I’ve watched back our matches and I tried to use some different tactics and I’m pleased it paid off. 

“I’ll take any win that I get in three. It’s better for me to be fresh and ready for the semis, especially against Gohar. It’s always physical, it’s always long and being able to get through in three gives me an advantage. 

“Another match this season [against Gohar], it’s very challenging as always. I’m excited for it.” 

Result: 
[3] Hania El Hammamy (EGY) bt [7] Tinne Gilis (BEL) 3-0: 11-6, 11-4, 11-7 (38m)