Germany’s Andrea Petkovic eyes a return to compatriot Angelique Kerber during the Family Circle Cup semi-final.—AP

CHARLESTON: Ange­lique Kerber spoiled Andrea Petkovic’s perfect record in the Family Circle Cup on Saturday, beating the defending champion in an all-German semi-final to set up a title clash with American Madison Keys.

Defending champion and third seed Petkovic went into the semi-final having won her previous 11 matches on the green clay courts of Charleston and the last three clashes with fifth-seeded Kerber.

Petkovic seized an early break for a 2-0 lead, but Kerber won 11 of the next 14 games en route to a 6-4, 6-4 triumph.

The 20-year-old Keys ended the hopes of Czech Lucie Hradecka, who had enjoyed impressive wins over number eight seed Caroline Garcia and fourth-seeded Italian Sara Errani in the previous rounds with a dominating, 6-1, 6-4 victory.

Keys topped Kerber in three sets for her lone WTA title, on grass at Eastbourne last June.

Published in Dawn, April 13th, 2015

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