French Open 2020, Petra Kvitova vs Sofia Kenin, Semi Final Match Highlights: Kenin sets up Iga Swiatek clash in final

Sofia Kenin speaks to Marion Bartoli 

(On her backhand neutralising Petra Kvitova) For sure. She is a tough player, aggressive, has huge serve. I am super proud of myself and super happy. 

(Second Grand Slam final) I’ve done it in Australia and have had tough matches in the past two weeks. I am just going to enjoy, recover and prepare for the final on Saturday.

I’m going to get a keychain from France and carry it with me. The Koala (from Australian Open) has done so well.

(On Iga Swiatek) We’ve played at the junior French Open, I lost and it was a close one. I remmeber all my matches. I am just going to recover and prepare for it. Hope to see you then.

Sofia Kenin wins 6-4, 7-5

Sofia Kenin is into the French Open final after beating Petra Kvitova 6-4, 7-5 in an hour and 45 minutes. She will face Iga Swiatek on Saturday for a chance at her second Grand Slam title

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 7-5 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Kvitova follows an unforced error with a winner to make it 15-15. The winner helped along by Kenin losing her footing. Kvitova goes for a forehand down the line but gets the tape instead. Kvitova with a well struck serve return and Kenin looked to go behind Kvitova but gets the net herself. This time Kvitova with deep returns and then a forehand winner for a break back opportunity. A poor short reply from Kenin but Kvitova fails to make the most of it. She sends the forehand into the net and it is deuce. Kvitova looks the find the sideline once again but this time she misses. Match point for Kenin. Another miss from Kvitova and Sofia Kenin wins!

Sofia Kenin* 6-4, 6-5 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Deep return from Kenin on the serve return and a short reply is latched on to by the American for a winner. Worth pointing out that the roof is closed and these are not easy conditions inside where the ball travels slowly. Make that another winner from Kenin’s backhand to make it 0-30. Kvitova can’t help but applaud. A great chance for Kenin to go for the winner or drop shot after playing a perfectly well constructed point. But she sends it long instead. Let off for Kvitova there. No giving in this time as Kenin once again finds lines and incredible depth for two break points. Kvitova looks hapless. Kenin with a perfectly deep return on the serve but the follow up shot goes wide. That’s one break point saved. She makes the second count as Kvitova’s backhand lands into the tramlines. BREAK! And Kenin will once again serve for the match.

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 5-5 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Sofia Kenin serving for a place in the French Open final. Bright start from Kvitova with two quick points and she possibly has a look in. Bear in mind she’s had this before. But now she has three break points with Kenin missing another shot. Three errors from Kenin and three break back points for Kvitova. Backhand gets the line and Kvitova’s reply is into the net. One saved. But not a second. This time Kenin’s backhand is into the net and Kvitova has the BREAK back!

Sofia Kenin* 6-4, 5-4 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Petra Kvitova serving to stay in the match. Just the first double fault of the match from Kvitova makes it 15-15. On the next, Kenin moves up to a desperate reply from Kvitova at the net for a forehand winner. A strong serve out wide from Kvitova and it is on to 30-30. Kenin misses her forehand and Kvitova follows it up with a winner of her own from the same wing to hold serve

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 5-3 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

A third ace from Sofia Kenin’s racket and she holds serve. Not the trouble like last time as she drops just one point in now moving within one game of the final

Sofia Kenin* 6-4, 4-3 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

After that marathon serve effort from Kenin, Kvitova holds at love in just 89 seconds.

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 4-2 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Sofia Kenin with incredible hitting and not just giving Kvitova no chance, she’s creating her own and going for it. A sublime forehand pass brings up game point but Kvitova does well to bring it to deuce with a winner of her own. This game has seen some really nice hitting. Kenin not happy with little stoppages in play as Kvitova’s tissue goes flying and play is restarted. And then a let serve which was very close. Kvitova pings the line now and she has a break point. But Kenin closes the opportunity with a deep first serve and Kvitova misses. On to deuce again. A double fault gives Kvitova another chance. Big serve, big punch from Kenin. Sofia goes for all with a backhand and gets the sideline for the winner. Sweetly struck that. A third break point in the game for Kvitova as Kenin smacks her forehand into the net. Luck going with Kenin as Kvitova’s forehand hits the tape and goes over but only to sit up nicely for the American to play a forehand winner. Another break point! Kvitova with a forehand winner into the corner on the serve return. Once again Kenin shuts the door. Kvitova with a cross court drop shot and Kenin slides into it for a forehand winner. A backhand winner and forcing Kvitova into a miss gets Kenin the game. A nine minute and 50 second game!

Sofia Kenin* 6-4, 3-2 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

It is Petra Kvitova’s turn to be pushed on her serve. Another gorgeous and confident drop shot on serve return brings the game to deuce. A missed backhand from Kvitova and Kenin has a break point. And she gets it! BREAK! Great serve and equally powerful return has Kvitova on the run going for a forehand winner but Kenin is equal to it. She gets to the ball and whips her own forehand winner for the advantage in the second set

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 2-2 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Sofia Kenin made to work on her serve this time. From 30-40 and a break point down, she comes back to hold her serve. Kvitova just not being allowed to get into the points with command like she does. Kenin taking the game to her and chopping away any freedom on groundstrokes. Meanwhile, the roof is being closed.

Sofia Kenin* 6-4, 1-2 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Brilliantly done from Kenin! Not in control and getting her feet back in place, Sofia with a sliding forehand winner pass to make it 30-30. Next up she almost, almost gets the lob in with Kvitova brought to the net. But Kvitova is unable to close it out. She does get the hold in the end and lets out a huge ‘Cmon!’ as she takes the seat.

Sofia Kenin 6-4, 1-1 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Both players drop one point each at the start of the second set to hold serves. Kenin doing really well to keep Kvitova pegged back and not allowing her to dominate at all

Sofia Kenin is one set away from another Grand Slam final

The kid is clutch 👌

After a double break for a 4-1 start, @SofiaKenin fends off the comeback efforts of Kvitova to close out the opener 6-4.#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/UtNmSWst0j

— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 8, 2020

First set Sofia Kenin 6-4

Sofia Kenin makes the break advantage count to take the opening set 6-4 over Petra Kvitova. This is the first set Kvitova has dropped at French Open.

Sofia Kenin 6-4 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

On set point Sofia Kenin with just her first double fault of the match. But she’s done well to come from 0-30 down to force herself. And she has another chance as Kvitova misses a forehand. And on second set point, Kvitova sends her shot long. First set Sofia Kenin!

Sofia Kenin* 5-4 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

A love hold for Petra Kvitova. But interesting things happening on Court Philipe-Chatrier which doesn’t involve Kenin and Kvitova…. 

Sofia Kenin 5-3 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Winners from Petra Kvitova at the start of the game and she has another possible look in. But Kenin slams it shut with deep shots which force Kvitova into a mistake. From 0-30 it is 30-30. Kenin is frustrated as she misses the pick up on a drop shot. Not a good drop from Kvitova, had plenty of air and Kenin sends her forehand reply long. On break point, Kvitova sends the serve return into the net. Kvitova with missed opportunities as Kenin holds

Sofia Kenin* 4-3 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Kvitova gets the outside of the middle line to make it 40-30 with an ace. Then goes down the same part of the court for another ace and she holds from 15-30 down

Sofia Kenin 4-2 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Petra Kvitova creates three break back opportunities. And two are wasted by errant groundstrokes. Kvitova almost looks like she’s rushing into her shot, trying to shorten the rallies. But on the third she gets the job done! BREAK! A very lucky point for both players. Kenin with a stretched pick up and Kvitova thought it was going into the net, had celebrated and realised split second later that it had gone up. Scrambled and got that back but luckily for her, Kenin misses the next shot. That’s one break back then for Kvitova

Beautiful drop shot from Sofia Kenin

Sofia Kenin on 🎯!pic.twitter.com/UXwkLXFRIl#RolandGarros

LIVE: https://t.co/iqaLZwY0q0

— Firstpost Sports (@FirstpostSports) October 8, 2020

Sofia Kenin* 4-1 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Make that a DOUBLE BREAK for Sofia Kenin! Petra Kvitova is yet to find her range and Kenin is absolutely running away with this. Kvitova with a backhand going long and it has been all Sofia thus far

Sofia Kenin 3-1 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Sofia Kenin playing beautifully. Has Kvitova moving, on the run and doing well to dominate play before Kvitova roars back with a backhand cross court winner on the serve. She holds after Kvitova’s serve return hits the tape.

A talented former champion applauds a future champion

Another very impressive match by Iga Świątek @rolandgarros

— Monica Seles (@MonicaSeles10s) October 8, 2020

Sofia Kenin* 2-1 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Error from Kvitova’s forehand and Kenin has two break points. Good work from Sofia to mix things up with a drop shot on serve, forehand chip returns and deep shots. BREAK! Kvitova is on the stretch and sends the forehand long. Kenin has the early advantage in this contest

Sofia Kenin 1-1 *Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Kenin pings the baseline with a deep backhand return and Kvitova is unable to get the ball back in play for a service hold. It is 1-1 at the start of the second semi-final

*Sofia Kenin 0-1 Petra Kvitova (* denotes next server)

Petra Kvitova gets the match underway. And she starts with a quick love hold that needs just a minute

Kenin at Roland Garros

Kenin is in her second Grand Slam semifinal, her first came earlier this season at Australian Open which she went on to win. Prior to this fortnight, Kenin’s best result on clay was her run to quarters in Paris last year, where she ousted Serena Williams before losing in three sets to eventual champion Ashleigh Barty

The furthest Kvitova has been taken this tournament has been by Dodin and Leylah (7-5)

Kvitova at Roland Garros

Petra is yet to drop a set at this Roland Garros, like Iga Swiatek. This is her seventh Grand Slam semi-final and she has been in the last-four in 2012 in Paris. She has won 77 percent of her service games – more than any other player this past fortnight. She is seeking her fourth Grand Slam final appearance. More interestingly, she becomes just the fourth active player to reach Grand Slam finals on clay, grass and hard court

Head-to-head

Kvitova leads the head-to-head 2-0 and their most recent came on clay in Madrid last year. Bear in mind, that venue is at an altitude so not the same conditions at all.

Iga Swiatek:

I’m kind of surprised really, I never thought before the tournament that I would play so well here. On the other hand, I always knew that if I was going to reach a final of a Grand Slam, it would be at the French Open, so it’s like a dream come true.

I wanted to play this match as if I was in the first round, because I didn’t want to think that I’m in the semi-final and stress myself out. I kept being aggressive, like in the previous matches. I feel really lucky to be here, without any injuries and feeling good. I have a doubles match tomorrow with my partner, hope that goes well too.

Petra Kvitova has been a superstar for years, she’s really experienced and it will be a tough match for sure. Sofia Kenin is on fire right now too, so really, I don’t want to think about that match too much. I don’t care a lot about the result, I’m happy I’m in the final.

By the numbers: Set 2

Game, Set, Match: Iga Swiatek wins 6-2, 6-1

More signs of nerves from Swiatek here. She wins the first point thanks to an unforced error from Podoroska, but on the second, her shot selection is quite strange, and she plays herself into trouble to make it 15-15. Swiatek goes 40-15 up though, thanks to two gorgeously placed winners, she has two match points! She closes it out on the very first one, after her blistering serve can’t be returned by Podoroska! What a tournament she’s had, she’s into the final without having dropped a single set!

Iga Swiatek​* 6-2, 5-1 Nadia Podoroska (* denotes next server)

How does Swiatek proceed from here? She’s within touching distance of victory, but she looked really nervous in the last game. As it is, she’s helped out by Podoroska, who makes two mistakes. 0-30. 15-30 though, Swiatek takes a wild swing at a forehand and it’s metres wide of the court. A winner and a mistake from Podoroska see Swiatek break right back though! She’s just one game away from her first-ever Grand Slam final!

Iga Swiatek 6-2, 4-1 Nadia Podoroska* (* denotes next server)

Rare unforced error from Swiatek there, as she hammers a backhand into the net. She makes up for it with a huge smash though, there was no way Podoroska was getting anywhere near that! Podoroska’s backhand in the next rally is hit long, 30-15. Another unforced error from Swiatek, 30-30.A third unforced error of the game from Swiatek, Podoroska has a break point! Podoroska’s forehand is long, we go to deuce.

Gorgeous forehand winner from Podoroska, where’s this shot been all night? She has advantage. She makes an error on the same shot though, and we’re back on deuce. Swiatek hits the net from close range after a fledgeling rally, and it’s advantage Podoroska again. Bit of a nervy few points for the Polish youngster. Luckily for her, Podoroska’s continued to make mistakes aplenty, we’re back on deuce. Swiatek hits a volley wide after a rally, and again, this was the type of a shot she would have made with ease 15 minutes ago. Advantage Podoroska. Swiatek hits long and Podoroska gets the break!

Iga Swiatek 6-2, 4-0 Nadia Podoroska* (* denotes next server)

That Swiatek forehand is an absolute rocket! She wins the first point with a forehand winner, before Podoroska’s error makes it 0-30. Slice of bad luck for Swiatek on the next point though, as her forehand clips the top of the net and falls back into her side of the net. It doesn’t matter to her though, she lobs a return over Podoroska with consummate ease and gives herself a couple of break points. Podoroska hits a return long, and she down two breaks in the second set! If ever there was a time to make her move, it’s now.

Iga Swiatek 6-2, 3-0 Nadia Podoroska* (* denotes next server)

It’s just too easy for Swiatek at the moment, everything she’s trying is working. She holds to love with ease, thanks to a couple of winners and two forced errors from Podoroska.