Kvitova topples Wang in second-round U.S. Open clash
Aug 30, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic hits a backhand against Yafan Wang of China (not pictured) in the second round on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
NEW YORK (Reuters) - Hard-hitting Czech Petra Kvitova advanced to the third round of the U.S. Open on Thursday, defeating China's Yafan Wang 7-5 6-3 to keep her dream of winning a third Grand Slam title alive.
The fifth seed converted five of seven break points and fired down four aces to send 24-year-old Wang packing in a match that lasted just under two hours on a hot and humid day at Flushing Meadows.
The match looked like it would be a one-sided affair when the twice Wimbledon champion raced to a 4-1 lead in the first set but Wang came roaring back to level the set at 5-5.
Aug 30, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic hits a forehand against Yafan Wang of China (not pictured) in the second round on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
Kvitova would not be denied, however, unleashing her powerful forehand and elevating her play to capture the final two games of the set before cruising to victory.
Next up for the Czech is a third-round meeting with 20-year-old number 26 seed Aryna Sabalenka of Belarus.
Kvitova won their only previous meeting in three sets on the hardcourts at the Miami Open this year.
Aug 30, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Yafan Wang of China serves against Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic (not pictured) in the second round on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
(Reporting by Amy Tennery; editing by Ken Ferris)
Aug 30, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic hits a forehand against Yafan Wang of China (not pictured) in the second round on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY SportsAug 30, 2018; New York, NY, USA; Yafan Wang of China serves against Petra Kvitova of Czech Republic (not pictured) in the second round on day four of the US Open at USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports
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