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'Crazy': Petra Kvitova's celebration fail in bizarre French Open rally

Petra Kvitova (pictured left) celebrating with a fist-pump despite the ball going in at the French Open.
Petra Kvitova (pictured left) celebrated too early in a point, before realising Sofia Kenin had managed to return the ball at the French Open. (Image: Rolland Garros)

Petra Kvitova nearly cost herself a point in the French Open semi-final after celebrating too early, despite her opponent returning the shot.

Australian Open finalist Sofia Kenin marched into her second grand slam final of the year, after Polish teenager Iga Swiatekwith made history, a commanding 6-4, 7-5 victory against Kvitova at the French Open on Thursday.

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But during the thrilling encounter, Kvitova was “lucky” she didn’t completely switch off after she started to celebrate before realising the point wasn’t over.

The seventh seed began to tuned away to celebrate and clenched her fist, before realising Kenin had managed to get the ball back in play.

Fortuntately for Kvitova she was able to spin around and finish off the point.

Eurosport commentator Simond Reed said: “She was lucky, Kvitova”.

“She was not as alert as she should have been at the net. She suddenly realised it was going over.”

The American will now face Polish teenager Iga Zwiatek in a fascinating final on Saturday after the youngster demolished the Argentine qualifier Nadia Podoroska 6-2, 6-1 on Court Philippe Chatrier at Roland Garros.

Fans couldn’t believe Kvitova was still able to win the point after prematurely celebrating.

Kenin wins big points in tough French Open semi

Seventh seed Kvitova, in her first semi-final appearance at Roland Garros since 2012, was often forced out of position by the crafty 21-year-old Kenin.

Petra Kvitova reacts during the women's singles semifinal match against Sofia Kenin at the French Open.
Petra Kvitova reacts during the women's singles semifinal match against Sofia Kenin at the French Open. (Photo by Gao Jing/Xinhua via Getty) (Xinhua/Gao Jing via Getty Images)

Kenin raced into a 4-1 lead as Kvitova showed some nerves after holding her first service game to love and, despite her Czech opponent finally getting into the groove, it was enough for the American to bag the first set.

Two-time Wimbledon champion Kvitova lost her serve to fall 3-2 behind in the second before breaking back for 5-5, only to drop serve again.

Kenin did not miss her chance as she served for the match for the second time, seeing it through when Kvitova's cross-court forehand flew wide.

A smiling Sofia Kenin leaves the court after her victory against Petra Kvitova at the French Open.
A smiling Sofia Kenin leaves the court after her victory against Petra Kvitova at the French Open. (Photo by Tim Clayton/Corbis via Getty Images)

Earlier, Swiatek had reached her first grand slam final at the age of just 19, ending the fairytale run of Podoroska with another dominant victory.

In one of the most unexpected slam semi-finals in recent times, Swiatek won easily to become the lowest-ranked women's finalist at the French Open since the WTA computer rankings began in 1975.

with AAP

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