Kristyna Pliskova battles to brilliant win over Svetlana Kuznetsova at Lugano

Kristyna Pliskova has reached her first semi-final in almost two years by winning an epic encounter with Svetlana Kuznetsova in Lugano.

Pliskova last reached the last four of a tournament in 2017, where she enjoyed a run to the final of the Prague Open.

Wildcard Kuznetsova had enjoyed a brilliant return to action after injury but was unable to prevent Pliskova from claiming a 4-6, 6-3, 7-5 success.

Wimbledon junior champion Iga Swiatek is also through to the semi-finals after over-hauling eighth-seed Vera Lapko 4-6, 6-4, 6-1.

Fiona Ferro beat Stefanie Voegele7-5, 7-6 (7-5) in their quarter-final.

Polona Hercog completes the final four after a fine 6-4, 6-1 win over Veronika Kudermetova.

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