Comeback star Kvitova progresses into last four

Petra Kvitova secured the best win of her comeback so far, beating Kristina Mladenovic to reach the semi-finals of the Aegon Classic in Birmingham yesterday.

The Czech was playing her fifth match since returning from the horrific stabbing she suffered at her home in Prostejov six months ago.

Kvitova’s left hand is still not fully recovered but she has shown very encouraging form since returning at the French Open and defeated world No 12 Mladenovic 6-4 7-6 (7/5).

Kvitova will next play her fellow Czech Lucie Safarova, who survived a threehour ordeal against Daria Gavrilova.

Gavrilova served for the match in the decider but Safarova forced a tie-break and won 6-7 (4/7) 6-3 7-6 (7/5).

The other semi-final will be between former French Open champion GarbineMuguruza and Australia’s Ashleigh Barty, who both benefited from retirements.

Muguruza had just levelled at one set all with Coco Vandeweghe when the American called it a day because of a foot problem.

Barty was leading qualifier Camila Giorgi 5-2 when the Italian pulled the plug.