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By Erik Gudris | Saturday, April 23, 2015

 
Kerber and Kvitova Stuttgart

Defending champion Angelique Kerber outlasted Petra Kvitova in three entertaining sets to return to the Stuttgart final.

Photo Credit: Getty Images


Defending champion Angelique Kerber reached the Porsche Tennis Grand Prix title final in Stuttgart after winning an entertaining three set battle against Petra Kvitova.

With six of their last eight meetings going the distance, it wasn’t a surprise that this semifinal meeting needed three sets.

WATCH: Paire Hits Crazy Shot to Save Match Point

The local favorite Kerber got off to a good start in the opening set with help from the fifth seeded Kvitova. The lefty Czech struck three double faults in a row to hand Kerber an early 2-1 lead.

Though the No. 2 seed Kerber extended her lead to 4-1, Kvitova settled down. Kvitova pulled to within a game, but couldn’t convert on several more break point chances.

Kerber eventually served out the set to love 6-4 when Kvitova pulled a slice backhand well wide.

Despite falling behind, Kvitova steadied herself and her game in the second set. Using her lefty angles and better serving, Kvitova kept even with the German throughout the set.

Kvitova then made her move when Kerber served to stay in the set at 5-4. Kvitova won an extended rally then profited from a Kerber error on the next point to hold two set points. Kvitova converted on the first when Kerber sent a shot wide.

After taking an extended break before the start of the final set, Kvitova came out cold.

Kvitova dropped her opening service game at love. Kerber then extended her lead to 2-0 thanks to a backhand winner.

But the Czech wasn’t ready to fold just yet. Kvitova held serve and then in the next game won a extended rally with a fine backhand winner. That gave Kvitova a break point that she converted with another winner from her forehand. Now at 2-all, Kvitova looked poised to pull off the upset.

It wasn’t too be as Kvitova’s level dropped right away. She surrended her serve allowing Kerber to retake the lead for 4-2. A poor drop shot attempt followed up by wayward forehand from Kvitova gave Kerber a double break lead for 5-2.

Kvitova’s inability to convert on big break points all day was punctuated in the final game. Kerber with good serving saved two more break points against her before finally getting to her first match point. Kerber closed out the match 6-4, 4-6, 6-2 when Kvitova sent a final forehand just long.

Kvitova converted only three out of 13 break points in the match. Kerber had a tidier stat sheet by hitting 17 winners and just 14 unforced errors while breaking Kvitova five times.

Kerber will now seek her second title of the season with her first coming at the Australian Open.

 

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