Pennetta Into Semis After Upset Over Kvitova
Flavia Pennetta reached the U.S. Open semifinals for the second time in her career on Wednesday, coming back from a set down against the fifth-seed Petra Kvitova, 4-6, 6-4, 6-2. Pennetta broke Kvitova in the opening game of the first set, but saw Kvitova break right back, and one more break later gave the Czech a 6-4 first set win.
It looked as if this one would be wrapped up in straight-sets as Kvitova broke early in the second set for a 3-1 lead. But the 26th seeded Italian dug deep, and responded with a break of her own to bring it to 2-3.
“I was kind of hot out there today, but my energy wasn't the best today,” said Kvitova post-match. “I think I should have served a little better, but on the other side, I think that she returned very well. I made a lot of double faults today … just presents given to her.”
One more break at 4-4 gave her a chance to serve out the set, and she did with a fantastic backhand winner to send this quarterfinal into a deciding third set.
Taking advantage of her momentum and fatigued Kvitova, Pennetta went up a break for a 3-2 lead. After consolidating it with a hold, Pennetta broke one more time, and served out the match in the following game to book her spot in the final four.
“I’m really happy right now,” Pennetta said to ESPN’s Pam Shriver after the match. “I was just trying to fight every ball, running and trying to push the most I can. I didn’t think I’d get through this match, I have to say. In the second set, I was really in trouble, but I just kept going.”
Pennetta played solid tennis, hitting 21 winners to just 16 unforced errors while Kvitova committed 17 unforced errors in each of the final two sets.
Pennetta joins Roberta Vinci as Italians in the semifinals. She will take on the winner of the match between Simona Halep and Victoria Azarenka.
