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