Radwanska, Wickmayer Breeze into Auckland Semis

Agnieszka Radwanska reached the Auckland semifinals where she'll face American Jamie Hampton. Yanina Wickmayer is once again finding good form as she aims to reach the finals for a third time.

By Erik Gudris

(January 3, 2013) -- The seeds playing in the ASB Classic in Auckland, New Zealand, have been keeping form, with top seed Agnieszka Radwanska and former finalist Yanina Wickmayer eading the way.

Radwanska breezed into the semifinals with an uncomplicated 6-3, 6-3 win over Elena Vesnina in the quarterfinals. Radwanska hit a healthy eight aces in the match and fought off both break points against her in the first set to secure the win in just under 90 minutes.

But it was a number of questionable line calls, especially against Vesnina, that marred the overall tone of the match. Many players have complained about the officiating and Radwanska mentioned in her post-match press conference per the New Zealand Herald.

"It is a really good tournament. Everything is perfect - but one thing is missing," said Radwanska alluding to the officiating.

Radwanska next faces unseeded Jamie Hampton of Atlanta who squeezed past Kiki Bertens. After losing the first set 1-6, Hampton edged out the Dutch player in a tight second set tiebreak before going on to win 1-6, 7-6(5), 6-2. It's the first semifinal showing for Hampton who first broke through at Indian Wells last spring.

Wickmayer Poised For Another Auckland Final, Faces Barthel

Auckland has been very good for Belgium's Yanina Wickmayer. She won the event in 2010, reached the finals in 2011 and has lost only three of 16 matches when entered at the event.

Wickmayer faces fellow Belgian Kristen Flipkens in the quarterfinals and though both women stayed even with each other early in the first set, Wickmayer broke away from Flipkens to seal a 6-3, 6-4 win.

Waiting for Wickmayer in the semis will be No. 8 seed Mona Barthel who easily beat Johanna Larsson 6-2, 6-1. Though Wickmayer leads the head to head 2-1 and won their last meeting at the Paris Indoors, she knows that Barthel can be a tough foe despite her late setbacks at the end of the 2012 season.

"I played her in the final at Hobart and lost pretty bad there. I am going to have to be ready for some big shots," said a candid Wickmayer. "She’s kicking arse out there so I’m going to have to be ready, and be ready with big shots."

(Photo Credit: Cincy Tennis FB)