Zheng, Parks, Bejlek advance in Athens; Marcinko wins in Iasi

Several players reminded the world of their quality this week, with strong showings on the courts of Athens and Iasi.

Zheng defeated Micic in Athens, breaking through to her first quarterfinal in 13 months. After a difficult stretch, the result marks a return to the standard that once defined her game.

Parks had her own moment of salvation in the same tournament. She saved a match point against Hontama in Athens and went on to advance past Hontama in Athens. That escape proved crucial—it kept her alive and sent her deeper into the draw.

Bejlek’s victory over Tagger in Athens carried real significance. She reached her first quarterfinal since winning the Abu Dhabi title, reclaiming the quarterfinal stage after her earlier success in the Gulf.

Meanwhile, in Iasi, Marcinko defeated Avanesyan in two tiebreaks to reach the quarterfinals. Both sets went to the tiebreak format, with neither player willing to give an inch.