Kvitova keeps up the chase for number one status

Jan 25, 2012, 2:56 GMT

Melbourne - Petra Kvitova kept well in the chase for the world number one ranking vacated by Caroline Wozniacki with the Czech reaching her first semi-final at the Australian Open Wednesday 6-4, 6-4 over Italian Sara Errani.

Kvitova, the reigning Wimbledon champion, is locked in a battle with Victoria Azarenka and Maria Sharapova to claim the top spot, which Wozniacki lost as she was beaten in the quarter-finals by Kim Clijsters.

Kvitova recovered from 1-4 down in the second set to run out the victory over Errani.

'I thought it would be a tough match,' the winner said. 'I didn't expect an easy match. I'm glad that I won in two sets.

'She hits a very flat backhand and has an unpredictable forehand. I had to concentrate during each point and couldn't think too much about tactics.'

Kvitova revealed that she has been getting occasional text messages of support and strategy from former Czech great Martina Navratilova. 'It's nice to have the support of a legend,' the quiet champion said.

Kvitova is to play her semi-final against the winner of a match between 2008 Melbourne winner Maria Sharapova and Ekaterina Makarova, who put out Serena Williams.