Beijing is seeing Kvitova at her very best

Tennis is just better when Petra Kvitova is playing. The Czech, just four months into her return to tennis after a career-threatening injury in December, overpowered Caroline Wozniacki, 6-1, 6-4, to advance to the quarterfinals of the China Open.

She then moved past Barbora Strycova, 6-3, 6-4 on Friday to make the final four.

After her matches, Kvitova thanks the fans by giving back her signature doses of smiles and appreciation.

In the Wozniacki match, Kvitova unleashed her power with pinpoint control from both sides of the court. She was patient during rallies, able to retrieve tough shots and effective at finishing off short balls.

It’s a good sign for Kvitova’s continued return as one of the top contenders for 2018. She won Birmingham in June, knocked off Garbine Muguruza at the US Open and has moved up to No. 18 in the rankings. She could edge up to No. 12 if she wins Beijing.

Even the world No. 6-ranked Wozniacki had to tip her cap:

“I think the only thing I really could have done is put in a few more first serves in the first set,” Wozniacki said. “Other than that, I really tried my best. I did better on my serve in the second set and got it a bit closer, but it never really felt like I was ever close to winning it.”

Kvitova is hoping to make the field at the WTA Elite Trophy in Zhuhai, where she's the defending champion.