QUÉBEC CITY, September 16, 2017

Lucie Safarova leads three of the top four players into the semi-finals at the National Bank Cup presented by IGA in Québec City. The top seed from the Czech Republic scored her fifth win in five career meetings against compatriot Lucie Hradecka 6-4, 7-5 on Friday.

Safarova sent down five aces, winning 73 per cent of her first service points to move to the stage of the final four after one hour and 22 minutes.

“Lucie started very well. She was serving really consistent, and she has an amazing serve,” Safarova said. “I was waiting for any opportunity. I had a little slow start to get used to the faster timing on the courts, and I’m pretty happy with my game. I was serving well, returning well and in both sets I was able to break her.

“I’ve won all our matchups, but it was always good matches usually. I know I have to be very concentrated because if she’s serving very consistent, she doesn’t give you many opportunities.”

Safarova will next take on No.3 seed Timea Babos from Hungary, who ended Canada’s hopes for a home title-winner with a 6-3, 6-2 victory over Francoise Abanda.

Tatjana Maria of Germany eased past Sachia Vickery from the United States 6-1, 6-3. The fourth seed saved all four break points she faced, converting four of her own to finish the encounter in 69 minutes. Next up for Maria be the tournament’s No. 7 Alison van Uytvanck. The 23-year-old from Belgium beat US-American teenager Caroline Dolehide 6-2, 6-2 in 65 minutes.