Kvitova defeats Keys, Sincey advances to finals

Petra Kvitova overcame a poor start and 10 double faults to beat Madison Keys 6-7 (6-8) 6-4 6-3 to reach the finals of the Cincinnati Open.

In Saturday’s first match on the steamy Center Court, a misfired Kvitova struggled to get into gear, but produced some of her best tennis when it mattered, beating the American favorite to beat the American favorite in the third set. It was started.

Sunday’s showdown with French qualifier Caroline Garcia or Belarus’ sixth seed Alina Sabalenka will be the 32-year-old Czech’s 40th WTA Tour singles final, but her first in Cincinnati.

“I expected it to be tough, but I didn’t expect it to be that tough,” said Kvitova, who is set to return to the top 20 in the world rankings on Monday.

“I don’t really care about rankings. Of course, reaching the final is more important.

“That’s why I play tennis. To reach the final and fight for the trophy.”

Keys, the 2019 Cincinnati champion, got off to a quick start and was given an early break when Kvitova double-faulted three times to take a 2-1 lead.

However, Kvitova slowly took control of her serve and groundstrokes, breaking back to level at 3-3 and entering a tiebreak where Keys claimed 8-6.

In the second, Kvitova took a 5-2 lead, but struggled to close out the game as Keys fought back 5-4.

On her second set serve, Kvitova did not waste another chance to send the contest to the decider.

Kvitova quickly applied the pressure and broke Keys with a thunderous forehand return to take the early break.

A 4-3 draw gave Keys the perfect opportunity to get back on level again with three break points, but Kvitova fought back for a hold and another break to secure the final, which forced Keith to change. I couldn’t.