Kvitova feels luck in making the semis

PETRA Kvitova has returned to the French Open semifinals for the first time in eight years after defeating Germany’s Laura Siegemund 6-3, 6-3, describing Roland Garros asher “lucky place”.

The Czech seventh seed, pictured, will face Australian Open winner Sofia Ken in who knocked out fellow American Danielle Collins 6-4, 4-6, 6-0 for a place in Saturday’ s final.

“It means a lotto be back in the semi-finals,” said 30-yearold Kvitova, who was beaten by eventual champion Maria S ha rap ova when she made the same stage in 2012.

“After my last match, I was very emotional to be in the quarter-finals. Now I am in the semis. I never imagined this would happen after everything that has happened. “This is my lucky place .”

It was Paris where Kvitova made her comeback in 2017 after recovering from a knife attack at her home in December 2016.

The assault required a fourhour operation and left her with damaged ligaments in her playing hand. Doctors warned her that her career may be finished.

On Wednesday, Kvitova fired 22 winners and six aces past 32-year-old Siegemund, the world No .66 who was playing in the quarter-final sofa slam for the first time.

One break of serve in the opener was enough for Kvitov awhile five more breaks followed in the second set.

The two-time Wimbledon winner, who has yet to drop a set at the tournament, claimed victory when Siegemund served up a double fault.

“I am happy to be here and to be able to compete with the best especially in these conditions — roof open, roof closed, sunshine, windy ,” she said.