Lucie Safarova is set to face fellow countrywoman Petra Kvitova in the first semifinals at the Center Court of the All England Club on Thursday. This is first time since 1986, when two Czech Republic women have entered Wimbledon semis.
Safarova defeated Ekaterina Makarov in the quarterfinals to book last-four clash with Kvitova, who overpowered Barbora Zahlavova Strycova in straight sets. This will be the sixth meeting between them and Kvitova had won their five previous clashes.
The 27-year-old Safarova took less than an hour to oust Makarov 6-3, 6-1 and better her previous best result in the Grand Slam event - a last-eight appearance in 2007 Australian Open. The Brno-native was delighted after the match and insisted that it was not easy to beat Makarov as they have played together for a long time.
"It's just amazing I don't know what to say, the happiness is indescribable," said Safarova. "I played really well today. I was really serving well and being aggressive, coming for my shots and taking her time away. That's the key on grass."
"We know each other so well, so many Fed Cups, so it's not easy," she insisted. "To be in the semi-finals is a dream come true. I'm going to come enjoy and play my best tennis."
Kvitova is the only former champion left in the women's draw and heading as favourite in the match. In the quarterfinals, the 24-year-old came out firing and broke Strycova serve in the first game and clinched the first set in just 36 minutes.
Strycova put up a fight in the second set under the closed roof of the Center Court and broke Kvitova's serve in the seventh game but 2011 champion regrouped and clinched the tie 6-1, 7-5.
"I really didn't want a third set because I knew we would probably have to close the roof, so there were many things on my mind at the time," Kvitova said. "When I lost my serve for the first time in the set, I knew that I would really have to try to break back, and I'm glad that I was able to."
"The second set was up and down, but I survived it, which is important," she added. "It feels great to be in the Wimbledon semifinals. I have great memories from when I won here."
Schedule of Play
Lucie Safarova vs Petra Kvitova 5:30 pm IST, 8:00 am ET and 12:00 pm GMT
Where to Watch Live
The day's action is scheduled for 4:00 pm IST, 10:30 am GMT and 6:30 am ET start, with live coverage on Star Sports 1 and Star Sports HD1 in India and live streaming option HERE and HERE. International viewers can catch the action HERE and HERE or listen to the action free HERE.
BBC will broadcast matches live in the UK. Viewers can also live stream the action HERE or HERE. Catch the action live on ESPN in the United States or see live streaming HERE. SuperSport will telecast the action in South Africa and Sub Saharan Africa and viewers can catch the matches live HERE.
