Kvitova, Jankovic reach semifinals in Austria

Linz (Austria): Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova eased past Daniela Hantuchova of Slovakia 6-2, 6-2 Friday to reach her seventh semifinal of the season at the Generali Ladies.

The top-seeded Kvitova will play Jelena Jankovic for a place in Sunday’s final. The third-seeded Serb defeated Russian qualifier Evgeniya Rodina 6-2, 6-4. Kvitova, a winner of four events this season and ranked a career-high fourth, took a 4-0 lead against Hantuchova. “I have enjoyed every match so far here and I am starting to play really well,” Kvitova said. “That’s important with (the WTA Championships in) Istanbul and the Fed Cup (final) coming up.” Jankovic trailed 1-2 in the opening set against Rodina before winning seven straight games. Jankovic, seeking her first title of the season, lost serve once in the second set but broke again at 4-4 and closed out the victory with a love game. Also, Dominika Cibulkova rallied to beat Anastasia Rodionova 6-7 (5), 6-2, 6-1 to reach her third WTA semifinal of the season. Cibulkova will play Lucie Safarova, who defeated Sorana Cirstea 7-5, 6-2. Bureau Report