Kvitova Stunned by Bertens in Cincinnati Semis

Dutch player Kiki Bertens battled past Petra Kvitova to reach her third final of the season. Bertens triumphed 3-6, 6-4, 6-2 over the Czech at the ATP-WTA Cincinnati Masters.

The world number 17 downed the two-time Wimbledon winner for the second week in a row. This win comes just after her a third-round win against Kvitova in Montreal.

Bertens, a clay court winner in Charleston earlier this year will face either world number one Simona Halep or Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.

Bertens played and won two matches on Friday after rain interruptions this week. Throughout the match, it was clear that she was the fitter of the two in hot, humid conditions.

“I’m feeling great, I’m so happy to win,” she said. “It was a tough match, but I’m so glad to be in the final.

“Over the last 12 months I’ve improved. We’ve put in a lot of work to get me more fit, to play more aggressively.

“It’s working out, I’m going for my shots and serves and keeping my nerves calm. I don’t care who I play in the final. I’m up for a good match tomorrow.”

On the road to the final, she faced local favourite Coco Vandeweghe in the first round. The Dutchwoman then battled past Caroline Wozniacki, Anett Kontaveit and Elina Svitolina. This made it three Top 10 upsets in a single tournament. Wozniacki was the second seed, Svitolina was the 5th seed and Kvitova was the 8th seed.

Kvitova faced Serena Williams in a mouth-watering opening round and triumphed. She then defeated Kristina Mladenovic and Elise Mertens before losing to Bertens. In the meantime, Halep beat Alja Tomljanovic, Ashleigh Barty and Lesia Tsurenko on the road to the semifinal.

Will Halep win over her Belarussian opponent and face off against Bertens? Only time will tell at this stage.