Madison Keys falls to Petra Kvitova in Cincinnati semifinals

Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic returns a shot to Madison Keys during the semifinals of the Western & Southern Open at Lindner Family Tennis Center on August 19, 2022 in Mason, Ohio. (Photo by Matthew Stockman/Getty Images)

Petra Kvitova advanced to her 40^th career final Saturday, holding off a determined Madison Keys in the Western & Southern Open semifinals.

The Czech star rebounded after falling to Keys in the opening set tie break, charging to a 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 victory.

🇨🇿 @Petra_Kvitova powers through to the 40th(!) final of her career!#CincyTennis pic.twitter.com/vM2iQsyDA2
— wta (@WTA) August 20, 2022

The duo was incredibly evenly matched, highlighted by their 4-4 head-to-head going into Saturday’s semifinal contest.

Keys logged 28 winners and 12 unforced errors, while Kvitova notched 24 winners and 16 unforced errors in the two-hour battle. Kvitova, however, converted when it mattered most, breaking Keys to start the deciding set.

Saturday’s loss ends a remarkable run for Keys in Cincinnati, taking out World No. 1 Iga Swiatek and Wimbledon champion Elena Rybakina in her path to the semis.

Kvitova will meet the winner of Caroline Garcia and No. 6 Aryna Sabalenka’s Saturday semifinal matchup in Sunday’s final.