Petkovic reaches semis at rain-delayed Citi Open

Aug 3, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Andrea Petkovic of Germany hits a forehand against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland (not pictured) in a women's singles quarterfinal of the 2018 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

(Reuters) - Unseeded German Andrea Petkovic reached the Citi Open semi-finals for the second consecutive year, beating sixth seed Belinda Bencic 6-3 2-6 7-6(8) on Friday.

The 2013 runner-up rallied from a set down to defeat second seed Sloane Stephens on Thursday, and continued her momentum at the Washington DC event.

"I thought I was really solid throughout the whole match," Petkovic told reporters. "She played really well in the second set and then in the third set, it was just a momentum swing, up-and-down and emotions. "I just tried to stay in the moment and within myself, and do the things I needed to do." In the nail-biting tiebreak, Petkovic led 5-2 but had to save three match points before converting her first to seal her spot in the final four. The 30-year-old will next face the winner of the match between eighth seed Yulia Putintseva and Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Aug 3, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Andrea Petkovic of Germany hits a forehand against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland (not pictured) in a women's singles quarterfinal of the 2018 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

The two competitors had their match delayed by rain with Kuznetsova having won the opening set and the second set tied 2-2. Seven seed Croatian Donna Vekic was leading 3-0 over Magda Linette in the opening set when play was suspended.

China’s Saisai Zheng had her match against American Allie Kiick postponed until Saturday.

Aug 3, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Andrea Petkovic of Germany hits a backhand against Belinda Bencic of Switzerland (not pictured) in a women's singles quarterfinal of the 2018 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

(Writing by Jahmal Corner in Los AngelesEditing by Amlan Chakraborty)

Aug 3, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Belinda Bencic of Switzerland hits a forehand against Andrea Petkovic of Germany (not pictured) in a women's singles quarterfinal of the 2018 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports

Aug 3, 2018; Washington, DC, USA; Belinda Bencic of Switzerland serves against Andrea Petkovic of Germany (not pictured) in a women's singles quarterfinal of the 2018 Citi Open at Rock Creek Park Tennis Center. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-USA TODAY Sports