Andreja Klepac in the semifinals of the doubles in Washington

Andreja Klepač has advanced to the semifinals of the women's doubles tournament at the WTA 500 event in Washington after defeating top seeds Sara Errani and Nicole Melichar-Martinez in the quarterfinals. The Slovenian player, partnered with Japanese tennis player Makoto Ninomiya, secured a hard-fought victory with scores of 1–6, 7–6, and 12–10. The match took place on Thursday evening local time, following their earlier win over American duo Carolyn Ansari and Leo Ma in the first round. The Slovenian-Japanese pair defeated the Italian-American team in a three-set match that lasted nearly two hours. Klepač, who turned 40 this year, had already made headlines earlier this season at the French Open, where she reached the quarterfinals in doubles. Now, she and Ninomiya have continued their successful partnership, reaching new heights in the U.S. capital. In the first round, Klepač and Ninomiya faced another seeded team, the Americans Carolyn Ansari and Leo Ma. They won that match in one hour and 38 minutes, eliminating the second-seeded pair. Their progression through the draw has been marked by consistent performances and strategic play, which have helped them overcome higher-ranked opponents. This marks Klepač’s first appearance in the semifinals of a WTA 500 tournament since her victory in Charleston in 2022. At that event, she and Polish player Magda Linette claimed the title. Her current run in Washington represents a return to form and a demonstration of her ability to compete at the highest level despite her age. The semifinal match against third-seeded Indonesian-Chinese pair Janice Tian and Shuai Zhang will take place tonight at 9 p.m. local time. This will be a crucial test for Klepač and Ninomiya, as they face a formidable opponent known for their strong doubles game. The outcome of this match could determine whether they advance further into the tournament or face elimination. Klepač’s journey to the semifinals has been notable not only for her personal achievements but also for the partnership with Ninomiya. The two players have developed a solid understanding of each other’s playing styles, allowing them to cover the court effectively and respond well under pressure. Their success in Washington adds to Klepač’s growing reputation as a reliable doubles player on the international circuit. The tournament in Washington is part of the WTA 500 series, which features some of the best players in the world. Reaching the semifinals is a significant achievement, especially given the high level of competition. Klepač’s performance this week has drawn attention from fans and analysts alike, who are watching closely to see how far she can go in the tournament. Klepač and Ninomiya will prepare for their upcoming match with focused training and strategy sessions. Their coach has emphasized the importance of maintaining composure and executing their game plan effectively. The pair will need to remain consistent in their play and avoid unforced errors, particularly against a team that has shown strength in both baseline rallies and net approaches. The semifinal match is scheduled to begin shortly after 9 p.m. local time, with spectators and viewers around the world eagerly awaiting the result. Whether Klepač and Ninomiya can continue their winning streak or fall short against the third-seeded pair will be determined in the coming hours.