Wimbledon

Safarova victory sets up all-Czech semi-final

ESPN staff

July 1, 2014

Lucie Safarova is overwhelmed by reaching the Wimbledon semi-finals © Getty Images

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Lucie Safarova took less than an hour to defeat Ekaterina Makarova in the Wimbledon quarter-finals, becoming the first woman in the last four while some players were still playing last-16 ties.

Safarova's 6-3 6-1 victory was completed in just 58 minutes and ensured there will be at least one Czech woman in the Wimbledon final as the other quarter-final was contested by Petra Kvitova and Barbora Zahlavova Strycova, both of whom are compatriots,

Following teenager Nick Kyrgios' history-making win over Rafael Nadal, Kvitova and Strycova took to Centre Court and Kvitova prevailed 6-1 7-5.

It is the first time that two Czech women have reached the last four of a Grand Slam event since Hana Mandlikova and Helena Suvkova did so at the French Open in 1986.

"It's just amazing I don't know what to say, the happiness is indescribable," said Safarova of her victory. "I played really well today. I was really serving well and being aggressive, coming for my shots and taking her time away. That's the key on grass."

Of her next opponent, she said: "We know each other so well, so many Fed Cups, so it's not easy.

"To be in the semi-finals is a dream come true. I'm going to come enjoy and play my best tennis."