Venus Williams beats Petra Kvitova in US Open quarter-final
Thursday 7 September 2017 11:20, UK
Venus Williams is through to the semi-finals at the US Open for the first time in seven years after a thrilling win over Petra Kvitova.
The 37-year-old got the better of her fellow big-hitter 6-3 3-6 7-6 (7-2) after two hours and 35 minutes of captivating action.
Williams has enjoyed a superb 2017, reaching the finals at the Australian Open and Wimbledon, and the 37-year-old now becomes the oldest semi-finalist at a major tournament since Martina Navratilova at Wimbledon in 1994.
She will next face Sloane Stephens in the first all-American women's semi-final in New York since 2002, Stephens having enjoyed a memorable win of her own earlier on Tuesday.
Williams, who won the US Open back in 2000 and 2001, trailed 3-1 in the third set but fought back, with some assistance from Kvitova.
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The Czech player served a double-fault to hand back the break, and her ninth double of the match then set Venus up with match point in the decisive tie-breaker.
Despite defeat, it has been a wonderful fortnight for dual Wimbledon champion Kvitova, who has not long returned to the tour after she was injured in a knife attack last winter.
"It definitely felt like a special match," said Williams. "No easy moments.
"This match meant a lot to me, obviously, playing at home and of course it being a major.
"It means a lot to her, coming back and being able to compete in this major and to prove obviously to herself that she could defeat anything, no matter what's thrown at her.
"It was amazing to see her shine today."
Kvitova said: "It wasn't enough but it was pretty close, pretty intense. It was just about a few points. She played very well in the tie-break.
"I'm glad that I am still able to compete on the high level against the top players.
"I'm not sure about (winning) titles of the grand slam. Of course that's why I'm playing tennis, and that's why I wanted to be back and playing, and it is a big motivation.
"But I'm still on the earth, and I know it's still a lot of work.
"It was a quarter-final, but I know how tough it is to get a title. It was pretty close but pretty far, as well."
Sky Sports Tennis will have all the action from the US Open covered via our website www.skysports.com/tennis with our live blogs and updates throughout the fortnight as the Grand Slam year reaches its climax.
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