All-American women’s singles semifinal at US Open
New York: Venus Williams’s renaissance year continued here Tuesday when she downed Petra Kvitova 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7-2) in an electrifying atmosphere to set up an all-American US Open women’s singles semifinal against Sloane Stephens. The younger Stephens had earlier beaten 16th-seeded Latvian Anastasija Sevastova with a gritty 6-3, 3-6, 7-6(7-4) show.
Venus, the 37-year-old ninth seed, who has already played two Grand Slam finals this season, blossomed under pressure in a nail-biting third set to remain on course for her first major title since she won Wimbledon in 2008.
Kvitova, back to her best after a career-threatening injury sidelined her for five months, was up a break in the decider but the 13th seed allowed Venus back into the contest and the American was the more composed player in the tie-break.
“I have to say I felt every single one of you guys behind me. That feels good and I did not want to let you guys down,” Venus told the 23,000 crowd on Arthur Ashe Stadium, before adding a word for her opponent, who was stabbed in her left hand by an intruder at her home last December.
“Everything she’s (Kvitova) gone through… It’s unbelievable. It’s wonderful to see her back and play amazing. I’m so fortunate to have won that match.”
Kvitova, whose previous five matches against Venus all went to three sets, led early on in each of the three sets, but in each case, the American fought back. The Czech was up 2-1 in the first set courtesy a break, but surrendered the set, losing her own service twice.
Kvitova, whose backhand return was proving tough to handle, again went ahead in the second set with a break courtesy of a winner down the line and she held for 3-0 after saving breakpoints.
The roof was closed as drops of rain started to fall and, after that brief interruption, Kvitova saved two breakpoints before levelling the tie with a big first serve that Venus returned long.
Kvitova also drew first blood in the decider, using her crafty backhand to devastating effect to break for a 2-1 lead, but a double fault on breakpoint in the sixth game allowed Venus to level.
The match always looked like being decided in the tie-break and Venus took an early mini-break before dictating play with deep forehands to take a 6-1 lead. She double faulted on her first match point but Kvitova returned wide on the second.
