by Wade Townsend

Fan Zhendong saw off Koki Niwa with relative ease in the quarterfinal of the Men’s Singles, winning 4-1.

Compared to Niwa’s match against Dimitrij Ovtcharov, Fan was able to produce a much heavier ball with significantly more power. Niwa’s counter forehand struggled to keep up.

There was one moment of vulnerability from Fan. It was in the fourth game when Niwa mixed things up and started using a backhand serve.

“He changed his rhythm to win the game, but in the end I could find my own rhythm again.” Fan Zhendong

But it was a minor blip on an otherwise perfect match from Fan.

He has arguably had the easiest time negotiating his way through to the semifinals compared to the others. But what does he think his chances are of taking the title tomorrow in Düsseldorf?

“It’s been a really tiring day with singles and doubles. But everyone who is in the top four has a chance of winning.” Fan Zhendong