Kvitova turns tables on fierce rival Barty in Doha semis

Ashleigh Barty has suffered a 6-4, 2-6, 6-4 three-sets defeat to Petra Kvitova in the semi-finals of the Qatar Open.

Kvitova resumed what is arguably the best rivalry on the WTA Tour at the moment against world No.1 Barty, halting a four-match losing run to the Australian star.

The eighth-seeded Czech now takes on Aryna Sabalenka in a big-hitting final on Saturday in Doha.

Ashleigh Barty returns a backhand against Petra Kvitova at the WTA Qatar Total Open.Credit:Getty

Kvitova agreed there wasn't much in it.

"I was just maybe … braver," Kvitova said.

Earlier, Belarussian Sabalenka advanced to the 10th WTA final of her career with an impressive 6-4, 6-3 victory over former world No.2 Svetlana Kuznetsova.

Sabalenka attacked Russian Kuznetsova's serve with power and precision to earn three breaks in the opening set.

The ninth seed pressed home her advantage by winning the opening three games of the second set before serving out the match with a blistering forehand winner.

Reuters

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