Kvitova reaches maiden French Open semi-final

Ends gutsy run of Kazhakh qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova

Reuters

Published Wednesday, June 06, 2012

Petra Kvitova of the Czech Republic reacts after winning her quarter-final match against Yaroslava Shvedova of Kazakhstan at the French Open tennis tournament at the Roland Garros stadium in Paris on Wednesday June 6. (Reuters)

Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova wriggled out of a spot of bother in the final set to end the gutsy run of Kazakh qualifier Yaroslava Shvedova 3-6 6-2 6-4 and reach the semi-finals of the French Open for the first time on Wednesday.

Two days after conquering 2011 Paris winner Li Na, doubles specialist Shvedova looked set to become the first player from her nation, and the first qualifier, to reach the semi-finals here as she led Kvitova 4-2 in the final set.

But the Czech fourth seed kept her focus through driving rain to complete victory after her 142nd-ranked opponent drilled a backhand wide on matchpoint.

Kvitova will next take on title favourite Maria Sharapova for a place in Saturday's final.

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