Fifth-seeded Kerber ends run of Family Circle success for defending champion Petkovic

Madison Keys celebrates her victory over Lucie Hradecka during semifinal action at the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 11, 2015. (AP Photo/Mic Smith) (The Associated Press)

Lucie Hradecka from Czech Republic, returns to Madison Keys during semifinal action at the Family Circle Cup tennis tournament in Charleston, S.C., Saturday, April 11, 2015. Keys won 6-1, 6-4. (AP Photo/Mic Smith) (The Associated Press)

CHARLESTON, S.C. – Fifth-seeded Angelique Kerber ended defending champion Andrea Petkovic's run of success at the Family Circle Cup, advancing to the final with a 6-4, 6-4 victory over her fellow German and good friend Saturday.

Petkovic was 11-0 when she stepped on the court at the Family Circle the past three years. She was a surprise winner in 2014, and the third-seeded German appeared on the way to a second clay-court crown this time around.

Instead, Kerber outlasted Petkovic with steady groundstokes and crisp, powerful forehands into the deep corners.

The two hugged at the net after match point, Petkovic smiling and patting Kerber on the cheek in congratulations.

Kerber will take on 20-year-old American Madison Keys, who defeated qualifier Lucie Hradecka 6-1, 6-4 earlier Saturday.