Breaking News: At least 10 feared to have drowned in Makueni river
Pliskova into first French Open last four
Czech Republic's Karolina Pliskova celebrates after winning against France's Caroline Garcia their tennis match at the Roland Garros 2017 French Open on June 7, 2017 in Paris. PHOTO | FRANCOIS XAVIER MARIT |
What you need to know:
- Pliskova, 25, will replace Angelique Kerber as the new world number one if she makes the final in Paris.
- Pliskova will play 2014 Roland Garros runner-up Simona Halep, who saved a match point and rallied from 6-3, 5-1 down to beat Elina Svitolina, in the last four.
PARIS
Czech second seed Karolina Pliskova reached the French Open semi-finals for the first time on Wednesday with a 7-6 (7/3), 6-4 win over home hope Caroline Garcia.
Pliskova will play 2014 Roland Garros runner-up Simona Halep, who saved a match point and rallied from 6-3, 5-1 down to beat Elina Svitolina, in the last four.
The Czech edged a marathon 77-minute first set against 28th seed Garcia in a tie-break, having failed to convert an earlier set point at 5-3.
The 25-year-old then broke Garcia as the Frenchwoman served to stay in the match to clinch just her second semi-final appearance at a Grand Slam.
"It was very tough. She played very well, we were both serving well. She played a great tournament, even today, it was 50-50, it came down to about two points I'm really glad I made it," said Pliskova.
She entered this year's Roland Garros with just two wins in five previous visits.
"I am very happy. Before the tournament I wasn't sure if I could play good tennis on clay."
Pliskova, 25, will replace Angelique Kerber as the new world number one if she makes the final in Paris.
