Kvitova moves into semifinals at Connecticut Open

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (AP) Wimbledon champion Petra Kvitova moved into the semifinals of the Connecticut Open with a 6-4, 6-1 win Thursday over Barbora Zahlavova Strycova.

Zahlavova Strycova took an early lead by breaking Kvitova's serve in the third game of the match between two Czech players.

But the second seed got stronger as the match progressed. She broke back to tie the set a 4-4 and broke serve again to win it.

She cruised in the second set, taking the final five games of the match.

Kvitova will face either Kirsten Flipkens of Belgium or Samantha Stosur of Australia in the semifinals.

Alison Riske, the only American left in the draw, will face Magdalena Rybarikova of Slovakia in the second afternoon quarterfinal.