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Pegula sinks Keys to reach Berlin Open semis / Photo: Tobias SCHWARZ - AFP
Pegula sinks Keys to reach Berlin Open semis
American world number four Jessica Pegula reached the semi-finals of the WTA event in Berlin after a straight sets win over countrywoman Madison Keys on Friday.
Pegula, a 2024 champion on the Berlin grass, won 7-6 (7/5), 7-6 (10/8) in sweltering conditions in the German capital.
In their first meeting since Pegula ended Keys' title defence at the Australian Open in January, both players each broke serve once in the opening set and forced a tiebreak, which Pegula won.
Pegula ran out to a 4-2 lead in the second but Keys fought back to once again set up a tiebreak. Pegula triumphed 10-8 in the tiebreak to extend her winning run to seven without defeat over fellow Americans this calendar year.
The 32-year-old American will face either world number one Aryna Sabalenka or Nikola Bartunkova in the semi-finals on Saturday.
Later on Friday, world number eight Elina Svitolina takes on Alexandra Eala, who eliminated Elena Rybakina on Thursday.
In Friday's last quarter-final, eighth seed Linda Noskova takes on Spanish wildcard Paula Badosa.
W.Kretschmer--BlnAP
