Kvitova comes from behind to reach Stuttgart semis

STUTTGART, Germany: World number three Petra Kvitova overcame a rocky start to beat Anastasija Sevastova in three sets and progress to the last four of the WTA tournament in Stuttgart on Friday.

Latvia’s Sevastova sprung a surprise early on, breaking twice to take a 4-0 lead before going on to win the first set. Yet Kvitova came back to win 2-6, 6-2, 6-3 and reach the last four in Stuttgart for the third time in her career.

“It was really difficult today, but I am very happy to be in the semi-final. I feel good and healthy,” said Kvitova after the match. Along with Japanese world number one Naomi Osaka, Kvitova is one of the favourites in Stuttgart.

She will face either the Netherlands’ Kiki Bertens or Germany’s Angelique Kerber in the semi-finals on Saturday, before potentially meeting Osaka in Sunday’s final. “If I play against Angie in the semi-final, it will be like a Fed Cup tie because the crowd will be behind her,” said Kvitova.