Petra Kvitova is through to the French Open semi-finals for the first time since the horrific knife attack that almost ended her career.
The Czech 7th seed ended the run of Laura Siegemund, beating the German 6-3, 6-3.
Kvitova hasn't been this deep at Roland-Garros since she lost to eventual champion Maria Sharapova in the 2012 semi-finals.
Making it extra-special, Paris is where the 30-year old made her comeback, barely able to grip a racquet properly, after an attack at her home severely damaged tendons and nerves in her dominant left hand.
"After eight years to be in the semi-final again, it’s great," Kvitova told her post-match press conference, "I’m really happy for that, that I’m still able to play on all surfaces.
The 30-year old was visibly emotional after he 4th round victory over Zhang Shuai. Speaking after her win against Siegemund, Kvitova says she's trying to keep those emotions in check.
"I got emotional in my last match - it was the happy tears, definitely, so I wasn't sad," she said.
"It was just everything back in my mind. To see a whole box of supportive people who were really there when I needed them.
"Today I didn't get emotional, but this can happen (laughs). When I just look back, those four years were very tough but very happy too. Of course it's a mix of emotions.
"It's tough for me right now to think back, so I prefer not to - if you are ok with that - and I just wanted to look forward right now. Maybe when the tournament is over I can look back."
Kvitova will play fourth seed Sofia Kenin in the semi-finals.
She beat her fellow American Danielle Collins 6-4, 4-6, 6-0. Collins' efforts were hampered by a back issue which required the trainer to be called to the Philippe-Chatrier Court.
The match with Kvitova will just be Kenin's second ever Grand Slam semi-final, following her success in Australia earlier this year.
Short and sweet 😂
That's @SofiaKenin#RolandGarros pic.twitter.com/0xyRgfD6JI— Roland-Garros (@rolandgarros) October 7, 2020
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