Angelique Kerber ousts Petra Kvitova in Rome

Angelique Kerber has reached the semi-finals of the Rome Open with a three-sets triumph over Petra Kvitova.

In an opening set in which both players struggle to hold serve, Kerber eventually took the tie-break 7-2.

World number four Kvitova appeared unflustered at losing the first set when she romped to a 6-1 victory in the second.

However, her resurgence was only temporary as a dramatic slump saw world number 11 Kerber storm to a 6-1 win in the third to clinch the match.