Kvitova Overcomes Keys To Reach 40th Final At Cincinnati Masters, Garcia Next

The popular Petra Kvitova reached her biggest in over three years Saturday with a comeback win over Madison Keys 6-7(6), 6-4, 6-3 in the Cincinnati Masters semifinals.

Kvitova began the tournament by saving a match point in a tight 3-set win over Jil Teichmann. Now, she’s in the final seeking her biggest title since Madrid back in 2018.

“It was an incredible battle,” Kvitova said. “I have to say Madison played a really great match. It was a really, really tight one.

“This is very special, to be honest. I was going to the match today, and I was telling myself that I have never been in the final here. … I had many, many finals but never here. So finally it’s here. Actually, who knows how it will end tomorrow, but this is already a big step for me.”

The lefty had split her previous eight meetings with Keys who had won this title in 2019. She’ll go for her 30th career title Sunday against the surprising Caroline Garcia.

The once-Top 5 Garcia has been having a great summer, but had to go through qualifying and today kept it going beating the rain and beating Aryna Sabalenka 6-2, 4-6, 6-1. It was her 26th match win since the start of June, more than anyone else.

“First, to be in the final of a 1000 event after so many years, and the scenario of today was just unbelievable,” Garcia said. “We had to stop a few times. We never know when we will come back. It was long wait, and in the wait you never know what you are supposed to do, so it was tough.

“I’m very happy with the last preparation for the comeback at 3-1. I was really ready for every point. It made the difference.”

“I guess no one expected it, that’s for sure,” Garcia added. “It’s a long way to come from qualies.”

The 32-year-old Kvitova leads Garcia 5-3 but they haven’t met since 2019 when the Czech won both. Garcia’s last win over Kvitova was back in 2017.

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