Lily Yuriko Miyazaki refused to let the buzz surrounding 16-year-old sensation Isabelle Lacy distract her from reaching the semi-finals of the LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy.
Lacy caused a stir at the West London tournament after beating former world No.35 Madison Brengle in the Round of 32, but British No.7 Miyazaki was sensational on her way to a 6-3 6-0 victory on Court 1.
Katie Swan became only the third British woman in tournament history to upset the top seed in her 3-6 6-3 6-4 triumph over 2022 Wimbledon semi-finalist Tatjana Maria, meaning Miyazaki can now look ahead to another all-British clash in the next round.
And she was delighted with a strong performance against a player who has enjoyed an excellent week in West London.
“At the end of the day, it is a tennis match, I am just playing another person,” said the 27-year-old.
“I don’t really think about stuff that is going around, the hype and things like that.
“I am really well aware that she has been playing well, so I just focus on myself and try to put my best game out there.
“I am pretty happy with my performance today, I expected her to come out swinging freely because obviously she has been playing so well and she had nothing to lose today.
“Maybe she didn’t play as well as she has been doing, but I think from my side I played a pretty good match.”
The LTA’s Lexus Surbiton Trophy signals the start of an exciting season of grass-court action.
And after a mixed few months on clay, Miyazaki admitted she has been pleasantly surprised with her performances.
“I am really happy to be in the semi-finals, to be honest, I was not coming into the tournament with high expectations just because my results recently have not been that great.
“So yeah, I am just taking it match by match and I am happy to be in the semis.
“I am feeling more comfortable with each match, it is definitely nice playing on the grass and in a local tournament as well, so it is definitely a confidence boost.
“I hope to keep building from here, I am playing well and I want to keep building on that.”
“It does make it tough, playing another Brit in the semis, we know each other so well.
“I think that makes it difficult, but we’ll try and put that aside and focus on the match.”It will be great if there is a good crowd out there, it definitely helps to have that home support.”
