Petra Kvitova reached the semifinals of the Miami Open for the first time after fighting to a 6-4, 3-6, 6-3 win over Ekaterina Alexandrova on Thursday.
Czech Kvitova will face Romanian Sorana Cirstea in the last four on Friday while American Jessica Pegula will take on Elena Rybakina in the opening semi later on Thursday.
Kvitova grabbed the first set, in the match which was postponed due to rain on Wednesday, after breaking Alexandrova on her second service game but the Russian fought back well.
Kvitova, ranked 12th in the world, held off four break-points at 2-2 and but was finally broken at 4-2 and Alexandrova held on to her serve to force a third set.
Fighting like a WARRIOR ??@Petra_Kvitova overcomes Alexandrova in three-set tussle and will now face Cirstea for a place in the final!#MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/xakyT5AMco
— wta (@WTA) March 30, 2023
It was tight throughout until the 33-year-old Kvitova made the decisive break to go 5-3 up and then served out for the match.
Her victory in two hours and 11 minutes ensures Kvitova a place in the last four at her 13th attempt in Miami.
?? Your Miami ?????????? ????????! ????
— wta (@WTA) March 30, 2023
Who will win the title?! ????@MiamiOpen | #MiamiOpen pic.twitter.com/0E4Hubxrx3